Praying for 5 years

[Lineman]

Hi, my name is Tom and I am an alcoholic. I have been praying for God to take this affliction away from me for 5 years. Everyday I have prayed to be sober. Now I am sober but I want to know why God did not take this away 5 years ago? My family has suffered in these past 5 years, no good has come out of this, why?????

[best]

Welcome Tom.

What I found is alcohol has a hold on us when we are using and abusing it. The hold on us has us keep a hold on it. I can have a desire to stop and pray to God all day long but untill I find or am given the will to stop (do my part and put actions to my prayers) I would continue in the same behaviors.
God does his part, we need do our part.

I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.

That verse tells me...I need put the effort, He wil give me the strength along the way.

Congratulations on reaching a sober life. If not for the Lord's touch in my life, I wouldn't know what sober is.
Sign me as...
Hard headed and stubborn but grateful that the Lord cracked past who I am.

[angelgirl]

Hi Tom,

Welcome to SR.. So glad you found SR, and so grateful that through God
your found your way home.

I also believe what Best said is true. Those times were hard times, they were
for all of us, and for some, still are, those out there still suffering from alcoholism/addiction. I am grateful that through the Lord, you found your way home.

Glad you're here, hope you keep posting..
Becky

[Lil514]

Lineman

Prayer is a funny thing sometimes, God always answers , but we have to be still and quiet and have a full and repentent heart to hear his words. All that time you thought that God wasnt listening to you, and your family was a mess... Well he was there and he heard every pray, and cried every tear with you all, and he carried you and brought you to where you are when you were supposed to get there. Thank him now for the blessing of sobriety and all the other gifts he has given you, like your family, and remember always that in our darkest hours and places God is always there......... Welcome
Lil

[namommy]

Lineman,

I can ask God to take something from me, but I also need to let it go for him to take it.

I say that most of my defects have gone with claw marks on them.

[Lineman]

Thank you all for your kind, caring words.

I still live with regret of what I have done. I really can't not pay attention to it. I see the people I have hurt everyday (My wife and 3 sons) and I cannot help feeling extreme pain and sorrow for what they have experienced. I was just wondering why they had to suffer these years. Maybe someday God will impress upon my heart the reasons why.

This is a great website, I am so glad I found it.

[namommy]

We're glad you found it too.

[rayofsunshine]

Our Sunday school lesson was on answers to prayer a few weeks ago... God always answers prayer. The answer is either YES, NO, or WAIT. I agree with NAmommy, God is always there waiting to take our problems, but sometimes we just can't let go because of our own free will.

God promises to help us when we truly turn in faith to Him. His Word promises, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Welcome to SR. Keep reading and posting. You'll find lots of encouragement and support here. Congratulations on your sobriety!

[Grasshopper]

Hi and welcome!!!