For over 40 years, I lived in the grip of gambling addiction. It controlled my choices, my relationships, and my life. Like a blind man walking in darkness, I could not see a way out. But today, by the grace of God, I can declare freedom. As it is written in the Holy Bible, Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (Ephesians 5:14).
Gambling cost me everything my relationship with my children, their mother, and years of my life. I found myself in prison four times, lost count of the jobs I held, and struggled to keep any stability. By all accounts, I should have nothing. But God had other plans.
Even in my brokenness, God blessed me with a wife and a home. Through every fall, His mercy remained. As the Word says, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36). Today, I stand free from gambling and everything that came with it. Not by my strength, but by Jesus only, Jesus.
I still face challenges. I battle with holding down a job, and sickness has struck my body. But each time I am knocked down, Christ lifts me up. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again. (Proverbs 24:16).
This is my testimony: no matter how deep the struggle, Jesus restores, rebuilds, and redeems. I was blind, but now I see. I was bound, but now I am free.