Tuesday, 28^th October, 2025

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:1

Memory Verse:  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (ESV)

All over the world, the grip of substance abuse is tightening. From the backstreets of developed nations to the rural corners of developing ones, addiction is no respecter of geography, age, or status. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report, over 296 million people globally used drugs in 2021 – a 23% increase over the previous decade. Over 39 million people suffer from drug use disorders. Fentanyl and synthetic opioids now lead the charge in overdose deaths in North America. In Africa, rising youth unemployment and peer pressure have caused a surge in codeine, tramadol, and cannabis abuse. Asia battles methamphetamine and heroin epidemics, especially in urban slums and displaced communities. Even in rural churches, there are silent cries for help – hidden addictions to alcohol, pornography, painkillers, or even vaping among teens.

What’s Behind the Addiction Epidemic?

1. Emptiness and Isolation: Many turn to substances to fill emotional voids. But only Christ can fill the God-shaped vacuum in every heart.

2. Peer Influence & Social Media Glamorisation: From weed jokes on the social media to celebrities flaunting alcohol, young minds are being discipled by culture more than by Christ.

3. Trauma and Depression: Broken homes, war, loss, or sexual abuse often drive people to numb their pain.

Life Transforming Testimony: Consider John, a church drummer, who secretly battled a cocaine addiction. He looked composed on the outside, but inside, he was broken and ashamed. What began as “just once” at a friend’s party spiralled into years of bondage. Until one Sunday, during worship, the Holy Spirit stirred a word from the pulpit: “God sees your struggle. He has the power to break every chain.” John wept. He sought help. With the love of a Christian support group, counselling, and ongoing prayer, he’s now three years clean and mentor’s others through recovery.

Challenging Questions

I. Do you know someone silently struggling with addiction? How can you show them the love of Christ this week? 

II. Is there anything in your life (not just drugs) that you run to for comfort instead of God? That, too, may be a subtle form of bondage. 

III. Is your church a safe space for addicts to find healing without judgment?

Call to Action

A. Support or volunteer with a local Christian rehab or addiction ministry.

B. Start a “Freedom Group” in your church—safe spaces for the addicted.

C. Speak openly about grace and recovery—your story may be someone else’s survival guide.

Quote:  You don’t get over an addiction by stopping using. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier not to use it. If you don’t create a new life, then all the factors that brought you to your addiction will catch up with you again – Anonymous

Prophetic Decree: Let every foundational altar supporting addiction in your life, catch fire, in Jesus name. 

Prayer Focus 

Lord Jesus, You came to set the captives free. All over the world, men and women are drowning in addiction. Some are in our homes, others in our pews, and some are even behind pulpits. We cry out to You—send revival to the addicted. Raise up churches that heal, not condemn. Use us to carry hope, light, and truth into the darkest corners. May every chain be broken by Your name. Amen.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Luke 16-17