Hey Friends —
It’s time I come clean.
I have a confession to make.
I am addicted to Diet Coke.
To me, there’s nothing like something cold and bubbly on my throat after a long stressful day, or after speaking at an event, or well, anytime, really.
I could drink Diet Coke all day long.
It wouldn’t surprise you then to learn I’ve been known to consume Diet Coke in excessive amounts.
Let’s just say, when you drive through the party stores’ drive through window to pick up a cold 2 liter, you’re at the “danger zone.”
Or last winter, while I was traveling with my good friend. At the end of our time together, I asked for water on the plane instead of my typical soda (I must have already had a Diet Coke with me.) My friend leaned over and whispered, “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen you turn down a Diet Coke.” Ugh. Is my obsession that obvious?
Not that Diet Coke is a bad thing (well, unless you watch those crazy videos or hang around friends who tell you about all the chemicals in Diet Coke.)
Maybe I should rephrase it — it’s not that Diet Coke is an illegal thing.
Which is exactly what has helped fuel my addiction.
After wrestling with alcohol and drug addiction for many years, I appease myself by saying, “After everything you’ve been through in your life, for crying out loud Cindy, drink the Diet Coke.”
And so I do.
Or, I should say, I did.
Until last month.
In mid-October, I spent the weekend teaching a beautiful group of ladies near Petoskey, MI. Many of these women came to “do the thing” — not just sit around and “play church” — but these women were desperate for God to show up big and intervene in their life.
We spent an amazing, Truth-filled weekend together — which did include heavy consumption of Diet Coke on my part. In fact, one sweet woman even brought me a nice cold Diet Coke on our last day. Instead of bringing an apple for the teacher, she brought me Diet Coke.
And yes, I drank it.
But no more, friends.
I shared this on FB soon after my eye-opening weekend retreat —
Y’all, I’m here to say today is Day 21 and I’m still walking in freedom. Woo hoo!
Not that it’s been easy.
Not that I haven’t desperately wanted a cold Diet Coke.
Not that I haven’t tried to rationalize why it’s not that big of a deal, who cares, just drink the Diet Coke.
But friends, it is a big deal.
You know why?
Jesus Christ came so we can live FREE!!!
And if there is anything we are clinging to more than Jesus, it’s time for it to go.
I love Psalm 61: 1-2
My soul finds rest in (Diet Coke, NO!) God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress,
I will never be shaken.
Here’s how another sweet friend is walking out her freedom. Such wisdom she shares —
Aren’t Jennifer’s words awesome? I love where she says, “Jesus is the living water. When I thirst, I will thirst for Him, and symbolically drink water….” Love it!
Y’all, I’ll end where I started, with a confession to make.
I am was addicted to Diet Coke — but Jesus has set me free!
How about for you?
What’s getting in the way of your freedom, sweet friend?
Maybe for you it’s not Diet Coke, but instead —
- alcohol
- cigarettes
- the Internet
- ice cream
- control
- TV
- excessive exercise
- pornography
- an eating disorder
- drugs
- perfectionism
You name it, I’ve heard it, friend.
You are not the only one.
But let’s declare today another #FREEDOM FRIDAY! It’s time for us to live FREE!
If there is anything that is getting in the way of the full, abundant, power-filled life that is yours in Christ, may today be the day you declare, “no more!”
I’d be happy to pray for you on your freedom journey. Leave a comment or private message me, sweet friend. Let’s ask God to cut every tie with any lesser thing that is standing in the way of your victory!
Also, may I ask you pray for the two friends I mentioned in my FB post? One friend has relapsed, and is really struggling. Will you please pray for freedom and victory for these two women, and anyone else you know who is struggling with addiction?
Addiction is big, but Jesus is bigger!
Let’s ask Him to break every chain and set ALL the captives free! Woo Hoo!
Thanks so much for stopping by *She Sparkles*!
God’s richest blessings to you!
P.S. Here’s what I’m praying for all my dear blog friends today —
