I am born again and love the Lord. I sat under Joseph Prince’s teaching on grace, and it rang true in my spirit. At that time, I had a secret addiction—I smoked tobacco. Even though I knew it was harming me physically, I justified it in my mind because of the turmoil at home.

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit had no intention of leaving me in that addiction. Addictions bring shame. That’s why it was my secret. The devil used it to heap condemnation on me. I had tried to quit many times but always picked it back up again. I didn’t have the ability to quit for good on my own.

Through Pastor Prince, I heard the preaching, “He who knew no sin became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” I was taught to agree with God no matter what my behavior was. So every time I smoked, I said, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.” It seemed so silly, but I kept doing it. Every time I smoked, I declared my identity in Christ.

One night, I had just finished smoking and became very upset. I cried out loud to God, “Other people have been delivered. Why can’t I?” I was so discouraged by the whole thing. I began to hate the trap.

Within a matter of weeks, or maybe even days, I don’t know exactly when, but I quit smoking and threw away everything that had to do with it. It no longer defined me! When I felt the urge to smoke, I chewed gum to help with the physical craving. Praise the Lord! I didn’t realize that my problem was tied to my identity, who I was, as opposed to who the devil was accusing me of being.