In the darkest depths of addiction, I found myself lost, hopeless, and broken. Each day seemed to blur into the next, consumed by the relentless pursuit of numbing my pain.
It was in this desperate state that I stumbled upon Matthew 20:28, a verse that would become the guiding light on my journey to recovery.
The verse reads, "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
At first glance, these words may seem distant from the struggles of addiction, but upon closer examination, they hold profound wisdom for those seeking redemption.
In the throes of addiction, my life had become consumed by selfish desires and self-destructive behaviors. I was solely focused on serving my addiction, oblivious to the pain and suffering it caused myself and those around me.
But in Matthew 20:28, I discovered a transformative truth – true fulfillment and healing come not from serving oneself but from serving others.
As I embarked on my journey of recovery, I realized that breaking free from addiction required a fundamental shift in perspective. It meant relinquishing my selfish desires and embracing a life of service to others.
This concept resonated deeply with me, as I understood that by giving of myself to help others, I could find purpose and meaning beyond the confines of addiction.
One of the most powerful aspects of Matthew 20:28 is its emphasis on redemption and sacrifice. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope for renewal and transformation.
For me, this meant acknowledging the harm I had caused through my addiction and taking responsibility for my actions. It meant humbling myself before a higher power and seeking forgiveness from those I had wronged.
I found solace in the act of service. Whether it was volunteering at a recovery house, reaching out to others struggling with addiction on my podcast, or simply being present for a friend in need, each act of service brought me closer to healing.
Through serving others, I discovered a newfound sense of self-worth and dignity that had eluded me for so long.
Today, as I reflect on my journey of addiction recovery and as I approach 14 years of clean time, I am reminded of the transformative power of Matthew 20:28.
It is a verse that speaks to the depths of human suffering and the boundless potential for redemption. Through service, sacrifice, and unwavering faith, I have found healing and restoration beyond my wildest dreams.
