Question:  Dear Greg,

            I am what society would call a functioning alcoholic.  I go to work each day, pay my bills on time and pray to God each and every day.  Make no mistake; I am sincere in my devotion to God.  However, I cannot get a grip on my drinking problem.  The whole situation seems like a conflict of interest.  Why would our Lord continue to mold and shape my heart when I feel I’m nothing more than a drunk?

            Dennis

Answer:  Dear Dennis,

            You probably have heard that God calls us just as we are, but he loves us too much to let us remain that way.  As you continue to walk with God, he will make a way for you to confront your alcoholism, and through Christ to have the victory (Romans 8:37).  I assume you have tried AA and if, for some reason, it did not work, please give it or another similar program (Al-Anon for example) a try.  They have proven to be helpful in many people’s lives.

            God does love you, unconditionally.  Your alcoholism does not stop him from loving you.  But you are hurting yourself—and that grieves God.  He will give you the help you need (it may be through an organized program such as AA or Al-Anon) as you battle this problem.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht