Gambling addiction

[1EagleSky]

I am very embarrassed to admit this, especially so that as a result of my gambling addiction, I now do not have all the finances I need to pay for both a move to another state and tuition for school this summer.

I have prayed to God and surrendered my will and repented of the gambling. God recently showed me that if I truly want to stop gambling, I don't need to ask for a prayer of deliverance----I need to stay focused on Him and His desires for me, and claim and profess who I am in Christ. I have dealt with the issues that caused me to start gambling in the first place (not having a job at the time, feeling that I had no control over what happened to me, having a pessimistic, negative attitude).

I guess I feel embarrassed because at one time, this was not me...even before I got saved, I absolutely had no attraction or desire for gambling in any form, because my Dad was a heavy gambler growing up, and we struggled so much because of both his gambling and alcoholism, and the gambling stole precious time away from the family.

I cannot regain all the money I've lost, but I definitely need more money than I currently have to move and start school this summer. The person I'm staying with is moving in a few months and doesn't want any roommates.

I would appreciate any prayers that I can find a 2nd job or a creative way to make up for the money I've lost.

[Gracious]

Eaglesky1,

You are so blessed, even in the midst of your storm. In reading your post, you've affirmed that the Lord can bring deliverance even when HIS children are caught-up in this web of compulsive gambling.

Through admission of this sin and repentance ... you've also affirmed that God will break the bondage of it because you desire to be set free. I'm led to give as you've asked ... for now more than ever, our love, prayers and acceptance of your fight to reclaim your life, is what you need, as you repent in order to be free - to reclaim your wholeness.

Please be encouraged that our Lord loves you; it is simply your addiction that HE abhors.  Oft' times I feel that the saints view them who have confessed their sin, as a people to be pitied ... completely ignoring the fact that we ALL (as in every earthened man & woman) have & hold onto vices.

Equally as important, there are souls suffering and continuing their disconnect in ... "denial" (a sub-conscientious shame); Denial that this self-destructive behavior that they exhibit ... is controllable??? ...And - OR ... that this behavior isn't harming anyone else (e.g. loved-ones, business associates, etc.) ... soooo that they can continue this downward spiral without losing-face???

Huh ... I wonder if we've considered that our souls are in jeopardy.

Anytime "we" exalt ANY THING higher than our CREATOR ... then "we" worships that thing. Our GOD is Jealous, and HE won't tolerate this ... so HE warns us subtly at first & then WHAMMOOO!!! The BIG ONE!!! If we survive THAT valley ... we will come out ... CHANGED ... and a "living testimony" edifying the Body of believers & planting spiritual seed with them who view the Gospel as a mystery ... Amen?

God also speaks to the PUSHERS of "vices":

Proverbs 22:
(KJV)
16"He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself, and he who gives to the rich will surely come to want"...
22Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
23For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.


Proverbs 22
(The MESSAGE Bible)
16 Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich--whichever,
   you'll end up the poorer for it...
22-23 Don't walk on the poor just because they're poor,
   and don't use your position to crush the weak, Because GOD will come to their defense; the life you took, he'll take from you and give back to them.

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These scriptures speak both to the afflicted & to the afflicter:

*  Our own "sins" (and we all hqve them) whether "we" acknowledge them or not, that go on unrepented, will lead to severe distress.  Most of us know this & many of us ignore this.

*  Gambling Casinos & other "vice-pushers" prey on them who have the least (financially) to give ... oh sure, the devil descends on the financially well-to-do as well, but they've (these pushers) target them who are financially the weakest.  God exposes in the above scripture, that HE will come to the aide of them who've been abused by the enemy of their souls ... at the pushers expense!!!

Again, to me, you are always an encouragement ... even now!!!

Sincerely, I pray your strength - my friend.


Gracious