When it comes right down to it, I hope he feels like David. I understand he is up against an unimaginable opponent. David was a young man, and Goliath was a giant. While it would seem that my giant of a husband (6 foot 10 inches tall) would be more able to identify with Goliath, I know he is truly dwarfed by addiction. It is a daunting and horrifying foe. Addiction, like Goliath in the video below, is rather scary. It is well trained in combat. It excels at causing death and destruction. It has scare tactics (did you hear Thurl growl?) David, I can only imagine, felt fear. Maybe trepidation. Perhaps he thought he may not even survive and prepared for his death at the hands of Goliath of Gath.
But he also felt more. He possessed faith and courage. He had a testimony of an all powerful God. He knew that if he was doing the right thing, no matter what happened, it would be okay. He exercised that faith and held fast to his courage. He took up his sling shot, and walked onto the battlefield. He let go of his fear, and instead trusted in his Lord. When he did that, something happened to David. You can see it as the song goes on. When he begins singing, he sings softly, and even has his head down. Then, as the song continues, he gains confidence. He is given the extra strength that he needs. He can feel the extra power and he goes forth with complete faith. And he was victorious. The Lord gave him the strength he needed to conquer the giant.
I don't expect my husband to have the faith of David. But do you know what? He doesn't have to have the testimony of David to be victorious. We know that the Lord doesn't only come to the aid of those who are spiritually strong. He answers the prayers of the lowly as well. He doesn't only speak to the prophets, He gives personal revelation to each of us.
After reading this months' Ensign, I realized that my husband doesn't need the strength and faith to conquer addiction, he only needs enough to humbly repent. And more than that, he only needs the faith to take the first step. Not to do it all. Like David, he only needs to present himself at the battlefield, and be willing to challenge the giant. The Lord will take care of the rest.
President Packer assures:
"The gospel teaches us that relief from torment and guilt can be earned through repentance. Save for those few who defect to perdition... there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no offense exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ."
Greg will never have the strength to walk onto the battlefield and bring down addiction. It's not required of him. All he needs to do is open himself to the atonement, and his loving Savior will finish the fight.
Liken the Scriptures- I Am David
