Lake Eufaula Christian Church
At LECC this summer we are discovering the power of faith by listening to stories of members who faced and overcame challenges. We all need to know that no matter what page we’re on, God is right there with us. You need to know that whether you are in a season of darkness and despair or at the height of great joy, God promised never to leave you.
We heard two stories this past Sunday that brought cheers for the two men who shared them. Both struggled for years before defeating addiction and embracing abstinence. Adam was addicted to methamphetamine, and Randy to alcohol.
“Meth temptation for me began due to my divorce from my high school sweetheart,” Adam told us. “My heart was shattered. I didn’t care anymore.” A buddy gave Adam meth, and he used it every imaginable way. “I was a functioning addict— still working, and that fueled my addiction.”
Randy’s temptation to alcohol began in high school. “I was very poor, very small, malnourished, and bullied constantly because of it.” He lifted weights to get stronger and started partying to get more attention. I quickly became addicted. “Living it up at age 23, I had a life-changing moment. I felt flu-like, so I drank a gallon of liquor to sweat it out. Lying in bed, I felt like an elephant was on my chest. I couldn’t get my breath.” At the. E.R. in Eufaula, he learned he was having a full-blown heart attack. He remembered his alcoholic father—the one he was never going to be like— damaging his heart and dying young. Still, once out of the hospital, Randy instantly drank, smoked, and continued his heavy-work job his doctor warned against.
Both Adam and Randy exemplify the truth of Ephesians 5:8 which reads, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Both men now credit God for sending their soulmates into their lives at that time. They married women who influenced them to begin changing their lives. Randy’s change was encouraged by a God encounter, giving him a scary vision of being separated from God for eternity. Adam’s moment of clarity came after he fell asleep at the wheel going 85 mph, crashed his vehicle, burned the hair off his arms, but survived.
Both are testaments to the truth of James 1:1718, which reads, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens… And we out of all creation, became his prized possession.” Both Adam and Randy were both invited back to church. They both began following Jesus and were baptized. Now, they both have been clean and sober from their respective addictions for 3 years. Their lives are changed. Their families are changed. God has shown them a whole new purpose full of grace and mercy. And they have a whole new purpose in serving the Lord.
At LECC we’re happy to hear stories like these from two who lived in defeat, but with God’s help now live in victory.
Please join us at 415897 Highway 9, Eufaula for stories that will be shared each summer Sunday in our 11 a.m. worship service. We’re also pleased to invite you for small group Bible study at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night classes. We hope this invitation tempts you!
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
