I had my first cigarette when I was in secondary school. Then, during my time in the army, I started to smoke more and even more when I started working as a chef.
For sixteen years, I would smoke at least one pack of cigarettes a day. Working in the food and beverage industry was very tiring, and I used smoking as an excuse to take a break. We would often say that we were “taking a step outside for some fresh air.” As the years went by, my sense of taste slowly diminished, which became very worrying for me.
Eventually, I left my job to start my own business, and very quickly I became even more stressed than before. I would smoke whenever I had a mental block.
As a Christian, I felt I was a bad testimony to my staff. I tried quitting many times unsuccessfully. I felt defeated and smoked even more. I was also afraid that if I quit, I would lose my focus at work or the chance to mingle with my team when they smoked. Over time, I gave up trying to quit.
However, as I listened to testimonies in church, I knew our heavenly Father wanted me to enjoy victory in life. I started listening to Pastor Prince’s sermons on Gospel Partner every day, and I felt Jesus becoming more and more real in my life.
I started to partake of the holy Communion before starting my day. At the same time, I would ask Jesus to show me His grace. I began to realize that my Father in heaven has a grand plan for me, and Jesus is on my side. Gradually, I began to see His grace in my business, health, and relationships.
One day, when I was smoking with my team, I told them I didn’t feel like smoking anymore. I wasn’t even trying to quit but since then, the Lord Jesus has broken this addiction that had kept me bound for sixteen years!
Now I taste and smell better, and I enjoy my food more. I no longer feel the need to relieve my stress through smoking. In fact, I am enjoying greater peace after becoming more cognizant of my Lord Jesus in my life. Today I look forward to discovering the Word through Pastor Prince’s messages.
Thank You, Jesus, for taking away my smoking addiction and filling my life with peace and purpose. Thank you, Pastor Prince, for preaching the gospel of grace.
Justin Foo | Singapore
