In a recent Your Hope-Filled Perspective podcast episode, I chatted with Tonie Camacho, about the fact that we are never too lost for God to find you. I’m sharing more about her journey and her hope-filled message.
Sometimes our lives are so filled with pain that we must find ways to cope because all we have done just hasn’t worked to stop the pain. Unfortunately, we will find ways to cope that will cause even more pain, uncertainty and struggle. Tonie Camacho experienced some devastating situations while young; the loss of a parent, a mother who was mentally ill, and being sexually abused and raped. Alcohol became her way to cope. But, God can find us even in the midst of alcoholism.
When we surrender to God, we find hope, love and peace
Addiction, so often, is the means found to cope with the pain and suffering in our lives. Toni says that “Addiction is about control, and requires surrendering to God so He can be in control.”
When God is in control, we will experience hope, love and peace.
When the addictions are in control, we will experience full force the pain and suffering.
As we give control of our lives to the Lord, this scripture comes to mind: Psalm 5:10 NKJV says: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, renew a new spirit in me.” While Tonie experienced drinking alcohol as her way of coping with the devastation in her life, she had several DWI’s. With her third DWI in one month’s time, she served time in jail where she turned to the Lord. When she was at her worst, God used those circumstances to find her in the midst of alcoholism and addiction and save her.
Recovery from alcoholism
She maintains her sobriety through her relationship with God. Because He saved her, she feels that drinking again would be like ‘thumbing her nose at God’. She says: ‘My saving grace was when God showed me that He was truly willing to leave the 99 to save me’.
According to Tonie, “You are never too lost for God to save you.” Absolutely, she knows firsthand how much God loves her. We go to the Word of God for encouragement during these seasons of our lives and this is a favorite: “Psalm 27:1 NKJV says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; whom shall I be afraid?”
Today Tonie, in recovery from alcoholism, is a new woman with a thirst for life and the Lord. She believes that with God all things are possible. And they are for you as well. Hope, love and peace await as you surrender control to God.
Every day can be a good day when you trust the promises of God.
Today is Going to be a Good Day
Now Available!
My newest book, Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right is now available!
This uplifting devotional helps you make each day a good day no matter what is going on in your life.
When life conspires to drag us down with all of its troubles, it can be hard to keep our spirits up. In times of severe illness and depression, I learned that when I stand on God’s promises, despite my circumstances, every day can be a good day.
Each reading includes Scripture, reflection, prayer, and a recommended playlist song designed to help you live out Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
For more information on the book visit: Today is Going to be a Good Day Book
In reading this message and also I watched the video of your interview with Tonie, I was so touched by her sincere love and devotion to the Lord. She knows what her boundaries are and so wants to help others go through healing and restoration of their lives through Jesus. My heart hurt for her pain as a young girl and woman and my heart soared with her with her salvation in Jesus and her life now. It is her testimony that will help so many in a similar lifestyle and situation. I appreciate so much her transparency and heart felt desire to help others. I give God the glory for Tonie’s healing! Thanks for your input, Michelle, in her interview from the mental health perspective. It gives such a complete picture of the devastation alcohol and the trauma in her life brings and how receiving and walking with Jesus has made a difference. Thank you both for sharing.
About half way through our discipleship classes, some refuse to continue because of what they face and doubt, so this presentation might be a good requirement and amen. Thanks
Nothing too big, no obstacle too great for God’s redemption!