I’m a big fan of the WBGL Podcast, The Unfolding, where people share their “Wow God” stories. Recently, I listened to a believer discuss his faith journey, which began with a dysfunctional childhood and a decades-long struggle with cocaine and alcohol addiction. During the conversation, the host, Merideth, said, “You’ve always had great faith.” When the man expressed surprise at this statement, she clarified, “You believed that something could end your pain; you just put that faith in the wrong things.”
Misplaced faith has profoundly shaped my journey. For years, I sought fulfillment in everything but Jesus, but I now proudly embrace my identity as a Jesus freak. My deep connection to misplaced faith began with my first inhalant experience at the age of 12, which delivered an intense rush and marked the beginning of a long and challenging struggle. I’ve come to recognize that all the false idols we place our trust in are ultimately destined to fail, just as mine did.
Drugs weren’t the only means I sought for salvation. I turned to men—one after another—work, food, pets, and anything else I believed could fill the empty, aching void inside me. When we find something that temporarily alleviates our pain, even if it’s destructive and ultimately unsustainable, we cling to it fiercely. I know I did, and my history with my phone and unhealthy food choices reveals that I sometimes still do. As believers, our faith life involves a journey of recognizing these patterns and breaking free from what we think will save us but ultimately enslaves us.
Pastor Steve Furtick paints a vivid picture of this cycle using the example of the Israelites. They initially sought refuge in Egypt out of necessity due to a famine, believing it was the right choice for their survival. However, what began as a solution quickly devolved into a situation of enslavement, demanding divine intervention for their liberation. I can relate to this experience—we often find ourselves running to what we think will save us, only to discover it has enslaved us.
The term “chasing the dragon” is commonly used among addicts to describe the destructive cycle of substance use. It refers to the relentless pursuit of recapturing the initial high—an exhilarating rush that can never truly be replicated. This phenomenon underscores the profound addictive nature of drugs; the first use can create an illusion of having solved all of life’s problems.
We are chasing the dragon whenever and wherever we are putting our faith in anything other than Jesus. In a world that relentlessly throws pain and chaos at us, it’s tempting to seek coping mechanisms. However, Jesus is not merely a tool for coping; He is the essence of life itself. With each passing day, my relationship with Him grows deeper and richer. My once misplaced faith has transformed into unwavering belief in the only one who can rescue me from the struggles of this life and usher me into the joy of the next. Jesus is the answer, so I invite you to invite Him to change your misplaced faith into great faith. And remember, there is no high like the Most High!
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