Pace with Grace
(addiction)4 min read

Beyond the Relapse

By the Pace with Grace editorial team

Key Verse · 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

“But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”

Addiction is a battle that's hard to put into words. It's a fight that can leave you feeling weak, ashamed, and alone.

The Apostle Paul knew a thing or two about struggle. He wrote about his own thorn in the flesh, a constant reminder of his weakness.

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Notice what Paul doesn't say: he doesn't say the thorn went away. He says God's power is made perfect in his weakness. That's a different kind of win.

If you're struggling with addiction, it's okay to not be okay. It's okay to stumble, to fall, to relapse. Because on the other side of that struggle is a God who meets you in your weakness, not in spite of it.

God, I feel like I'm losing the battle. I'm tired of the struggle, tired of the shame. Meet me in my weakness, remind me that your power is made perfect there. I need your strength, your grace, your presence. Amen.

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