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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My mother made a resolution a year ago to stop drinking. She was sick of being drunk at every family gathering and grew weary of being shunned by ladies she thought were her friends. As hard as she tried, though, she went back to the alcohol. Then a neighbor’s children started coming around and talking to her about the Lord. In a miraculous way, this was used to encourage her and brought her to the place of acknowledging her sin and dependency. Surely the Lord Himself put this Christian family in her pathway, and I praise Him for bringing healing to my mother and to our family. – D.A.

A: Those who know something about alcoholism tell us that the first step toward deliverance is to have a strong desire to change and to verbally admit that they are an alcoholic. In saying this, they state a tremendous truth, for we can never be saved from sin until we first admit, “I am a sinner,” and then have a desire to let God take control. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV). He is the hope of every person ever born. Many alcoholics have been converted to Jesus Christ and have been delivered from the terrible craving that’s plagued them for years.

Drunkenness is a sin, according to the Bible, and must be treated that way. It can lead to a sickness, of course, as it did with WWII veteran and Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini, whose remarkable life was featured in the film Unbroken and his testimony declared on the DVD Captured by Grace. Louis talked frequently about his battle with alcohol and depression – that is until he encountered the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ. He is the transformer of hearts. Never give up. God is ever-present.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.