We found the facts of the first story in Mark chapter five, concerning a demon possessed man who cut himself and lived in tombs, to be tragic and disturbing. We also identified with him in a way that few others can. This man was out of his mind, and everyone knew it. The historical facts had proven that human power was no match for a demon. Evil was an entity to be feared and avoided.
When we were lost in our addiction, we were self-destructive, violent, fearful, crazy, and more conspicuous than we cared to admit. The demoniac man is one we relate to with deep heartbreaking empathy. We walked his path. Like him, our path led to Jesus. And in like manner, Jesus called out our demons and returned us to our right minds.
- Fact: this man was violent and dangerous.
- Fact: anyone who got close got hurt.
- Fact: the man had been this way for many years.
- Fact: there was no treatment or remedy available for him.
- Fact: no mortal man could throw down with a legion of hell hounds and live to tell about it.
- Fact: the demoniac man ran toward Jesus.
- Truth: Of all these facts, only one held any significance: He ran toward Jesus.
- Truth: When he ran to the Prince of Peace, with his frightening facts, they were overpowered by the Truth.
- Truth: The man’s sanity was restored, and his life changed forever.
Oddly, the story states at this point that the people were afraid. Sadly, when we were delivered from our addiction, some of our friends and family were afraid too. They were afraid it wouldn’t last; afraid it was too good to be true; afraid it was a manipulation technique; or just afraid of being hurt again.
Tetelestai Recovery – Chapter 8, Facts are Changeable
Finding Total Recovery in the Words of Christ, "It is Finished!" 