I met the Lord and I was set free in that moment – Thom's story

I met the Lord and I was set free in that moment – Thom's story

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This Real Recovery episode follows Tom from small-town Missouri, where working at a lakeside resort at 12 opened the door to cigarettes, weed, alcohol and, eventually, daily meth use. He talks frankly about how quickly things became "all consuming" and how addiction eroded his relationships, finances and sense of choice, even while he looked like the "good kid" to his trusting parents.

The conversation between hosts Bill Arnold and George B. Fraser has an easy, humorous tone, but they never downplay the seriousness of addiction. George shares his own experience of a long, hard road to sobriety, reminding you that for most people change takes years of effort, guardrails and daily reliance on Jesus rather than a quick fix. Tom’s turning point centres on one key Bible verse: "Draw near to God and he'll draw near to you" from James 4:8.

Seeing that verse on his fiancée’s keychain, then hearing it preached unexpectedly in church, became a moment he couldn’t ignore. He says, "I not only met the lord in that moment, I was set free in that moment," describing an immediate release from drugs in 1999, followed by years of steady pursuit of God through church, Bible school and service.

Now a pastor and Celebrate Recovery leader, Tom shares stories of people who’ve gone from track marks and jail to Bible college and ministry, and even from lawbreaker to local police officer with a heart for those still struggling. He also speaks to parents about being deeply involved in their children’s lives and interests, so problems are harder to hide and conversations can be honest.

If you're wondering whether church basements, recovery meetings and a relationship with Christ can really change anything, this episode offers raw honesty, practical faith and plenty of hope. What small step towards connection and support could you take today?