Preston Belcher

Jul 155 min read

Our 4th of July

This year our ministry team here at OneWay Restoration celebrated the 4th of July on July 6th 2024. To start things off, we had a massive grill out with hamburgers, hotdogs, and all sorts of side dishes. Residents of OneWay Restoration are permitted to invite family members to attend the celebration.

These past few years we have been blessed with the opportunity to work at a local firework stand serving our community leading up to the holiday. The owners typically donate a sizeable number of fireworks to the ministry as a thank you for our contribution.

This year, the donation was two packs of 96 shells and six 20-30 shot firework boxes. Altogether, it took a little over an hour for several men in the ministry to set them all off. We had a few misfires due to duds, and next year greater safety measures will be put in place to help ensure there are no injuries.

Below, I will share some of our thoughts on the correlation between Independence Day and recovering from addiction. This perspective is based on our belief in Jesus Christ as the ultimate solution and pillar in recovery,

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What Does Freedom Mean to You in 2024?

So many things have changed so quickly. Times are increasingly hard for our society. It seems like our culture’s core beliefs are constantly changing, challenged, and evolving every day. In these times, reflecting on the true meaning of freedom is crucial, and the 4th of July offers a profound opportunity to do so.

It becomes increasingly difficult to look for the positives in life. Difficult times can lead to even greater feelings of despair and temptations to fill that void with anything just to get through the day.

The Spirit of Independence Day

Independence Day, celebrated every July 4th, is a time when Americans reflect on the nation’s declaration of freedom from British rule in 1776. This day, marked by fireworks, parades, and gatherings, symbolizes the values of liberty, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. For Christians, these values resonate deeply, as they align with the biblical principles of freedom in Christ, perseverance in faith, and the joy found in God’s love. In a way, this is the same feeling a soul may experience when breaking free from the chains of drug addiction.

A Parallel Journey: National and Spiritual Liberation

Just as the American colonies sought independence from oppressive rule, individuals struggling with drug addiction yearn for liberation from the bondage of substances. Both journeys require immense courage, unwavering faith, and the support of a loving community. The story of Independence Day, when viewed through a Godly lens, can inspire those battling addiction to seek their own freedom through faith in Christ. Maybe we don’t celebrate an individual’s victory over substance use with fireworks, but the freedom from addiction on an individual level is of great importance, and it’s a battle that lasts a lifetime.

A truth to consider is that all victories start on an individual level. What each one of us chooses to do with our life or addictions affects everyone in that person’s circle of influence and ultimately, in a bigger picture, shapes the fabric of society.

The Courage to Begin: Trusting in God

On July 4, 1776, the founding fathers took a bold step by declaring independence, despite the risks and uncertainties. In the same way, deciding to confront addiction is a courageous act that requires trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Taking the first step towards recovery means placing trust in God’s plan and believing in His strength to overcome addiction.

The Power of a Supportive Faith Community

The American Revolution succeeded due to the unity and support among the colonies. Similarly, overcoming addiction requires a supportive community grounded in faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another." Churches, faith-based support groups, and Christian friends can provide the encouragement, prayer, and accountability needed to stay on the path to recovery.

This is a strong teaching at OneWay Ministry. Our program focuses heavily on worshipping together and discovering the path to freedom from drug addiction through seeking God and accountability to peers.

Resilience Through Faith

The journey to independence was fraught with battles and setbacks, yet the colonies persisted, drawing strength from their cause.

In the fight against addiction, resilience is essential. Philippians 4:13 assures us, "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." By leaning on God’s strength and persevering through challenges, individuals can overcome setbacks and continue their journey toward sobriety.

Embracing a New Identity in Christ

Independence Day signifies the birth of a new nation and the opportunity to create a new identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Embracing a new identity in Christ allows individuals to leave behind their past and walk in the newness of life that God offers.

When you remove an addiction, without something to fill the void, it is incredibly easy to fall back into old ways. Trusting in God during these moments can be crucial to successfully breaking addiction and finding true freedom on an individual level.

The Pursuit of True Happiness

The Declaration of Independence mentions the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." For Christians, true happiness is found in a relationship with God. Psalm 16:11 states, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Overcoming addiction opens the door to experiencing God’s joy, peace, and purpose.

Fireworks of God’s Grace

As fireworks light up the sky on the 4th of July, they symbolize the triumph of freedom and the promise of a brighter future. For those on the path to recovery, these fireworks can represent the transformative power of God’s grace. Each burst of light is a testament to God’s miracles and the victories achieved through His love and power.

So, maybe we don’t shoot off fireworks when a soul recovers from addiction. But in many ways, that victory is one of the most important victories that can happen. Each life changed for Christ is another life that has the potential to positively affect our society.

Victory over addiction is possible. Freedom from addiction is possible.