Is There Any Hope for Alcoholics?

Q: I am an alcoholic. I cannot shake the guilt. Everyone tells me to give it up but it isn’t that easy. My craving for liquor is oppressive but I have no power to overcome. I want to give it up but can’t. I struggle with depression so much that every night when I go to bed I pray to go to sleep and never wake up. Is there any hope for alcoholics? — D.M.

A: Absolutely, there is always hope. Many alcoholics have been converted to Jesus Christ and have been completely delivered from the terrible craving that they have had for many years. Those who know something about alcoholism tell us that the first step toward deliverance is to have a strong desire to change and to verbally admit that they are an alcoholic. In saying this, they have stated a tremendous truth, for you can never be saved from your sins until you first of all admit, “I am a sinner,” and then have a desire to give up your life and let God take control. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Drunkenness is a sin, according to the Bible, and must be treated that way. It can lead to a sickness, of course, as it did with WWII veteran and Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini, whose remarkable life was featured in the film “Unbroken” and his testimony declared on a DVD “Captured by Grace.” Louis talked frequently about his battle with alcohol and depression. That is until he encountered the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ. He is the transformer of hearts. Don’t give up on yourself; God hasn’t.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.