The kingdom of God is at hand, and I want to share with you what the Holy Spirit revealed to me about smoking and condemnation. When I was at the clinic, my oncologist constantly asked if I was still smoking, and each time, I would admit to it, though not entirely truthfully. The medical world often instills guilt, especially when diagnosed with something like stage 4 metastatic lung pestilence, making one feel responsible for their condition. I struggled with this condemnation until one day, after an embarrassing encounter with my doctor, I sat on my porch smoking and thought, "Fine, after this pack, I'll throw them away." But the Holy Spirit immediately corrected me, saying that doing so would mean agreeing with man rather than trusting in God. I realized then that my healing was never in my own hands, nor in the decisions of doctors, but in Jesus Christ alone. As the Word says, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." (Matthew 15:11, KJV). In that moment, I surrendered completely, understanding that my life was not my own but belonged to Christ. "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3, KJV).
This revelation brought me great peace, knowing that nothing I could do—not quitting smoking, not following medical advice—could add to my life apart from God's will. "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 10:39, KJV). If I ever stop smoking, it will be because of my love for the Lord, not because man dictates it. Jesus came to give life and give it abundantly, and I refuse to let fear or condemnation dictate my walk with Him. Many believe that a specific diet or lifestyle determines their health, but faith in Jesus Christ is the true determinant. The Lord allows trials to test and strengthen our faith, just as He did when He asked those He healed, "Believest thou that I am able to do this?" (Matthew 9:28, KJV). We are made whole by faith, and our focus should remain on Christ rather than the world's opinions.
When the Lord told me, "Rise, leave this place; you don’t belong here," I obeyed, walking away from all treatment. About a month later, I had another scan, and my oncologist was shocked—there was no evidence of disease, no emphysema, no pestilence. He even remarked, "Perhaps smoking is good," but I knew the truth: "With his stripes, we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, KJV). This is my testimony, and I share it to encourage others who may feel condemnation over smoking or anything else. Trust in Jesus Christ with your whole heart, knowing that He alone holds your life. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1, KJV). No matter what trials you face, stand on the truth of God's Word, and do not agree with the lies of the Enemy. Jesus loves you, and so do I. Amen!