Break Free from Bad Habits to Find True Change

Focus on the Family receives thousands of calls every year from hurting people who live in despair because of circumstances beyond their control, like abuse.

I recently spoke with Dr. Erwin Lutzer on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, and he says to free ourselves from the damage of abuse we must do three things:

Confront our past with Christ.
Commit our wounds to Him.
Receive healing over time.

Dr. Lutzer and I discussed numerous ideas for experiencing restoration and healing, including:

Identifying pains of the past and escape routes that God provides.
Overcoming denial and obstacles that prevent us from enjoying freedom.
Combatting lies with prayer.
Confronting fatal addictions.
Developing accountability.
Breaking free from sexual sin.
Healing for the abused.
Finding our way back through reconciliation and repentance.

Although we can’t go back in time and change our past, God gives us the grace to overcome the pain we feel and receive inner restoration. Hear our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If your past is a burden you’re struggling to overcome, we have caring, Christian counselors who will listen, pray with you, and get you on a path toward healing and hope. They’ll also direct you to additional resources in your area if necessary. Call us, leave your name and number, and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Dr. Erwin Lutzer’s book Putting Your Past Behind You: Finding Hope for Life’s Deepest Hurts as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Dr. Lutzer is pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago and served as senior pastor there for 36 years.