Redeemed by Grace: An Addiction Recovery Testimony Through Christ
with Christian Winder

In this deeply moving episode of the Bible Chat Podcast, Alina welcomes long time friend Christian Winder to share his powerful story of redemption. From a joyful childhood overshadowed by family addiction and mental health challenges, Christian's path led through high school partying, escalating alcohol and drug use, wilderness programs, boarding school trauma, and rock bottom cycles of shame and despair in downtown Denver.

The turning point came with a blindsiding family intervention, full surrender, and his transformative time at Harvest Farm, a faith based recovery program where work, community, and a real relationship with Jesus Christ rebuilt his life. Christian reflects on grace over guilt, taking thoughts captive, the Prodigal Son parable, favorite Scriptures, and the universal need for surrender, community, and obedience.

Key Scriptures Shared:

• Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV): "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
• 1 John 4:4 (NKJV): "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
• Genesis 2:18: "And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'"

Today, Christian is thriving, training and building wind turbine blades at his workplace, passionately fly fishing, working out (down 50 lbs!), and excited to be newly plugged into church community, living proof that God restores the brokenhearted and provides entirely new beginnings.

This episode reminds us: nothing is impossible with God. If you're trapped in addiction, wrestling with shame, supporting a loved one, or simply needing hope, Christian's journey will inspire you. Surrender fully, and the Father waits with open arms and no judgment.

Timestamps
00:00 Message of Hope for Those Trapped in Addiction
01:06 Welcome to the Bible Chat Podcast
04:00 Christian’s Childhood and Family Challenges
04:47 High School Struggles and Escalating Addiction
06:13 Wilderness Program, Boarding School and Depression
11:44 Rock Bottom, Family Intervention and Surrender
13:11 Preparation and Life Changing Time at Harvest Farm
15:46 Developing a Personal Relationship with Christ
22:02 Taking Thoughts Captive, Temptation and Community
26:02 Embracing Hope, Authenticity and Daily Practices
26:46 Who Christian Is Becoming Today
27:28 Dreams: Leading Others to Christ and the Farm
28:36 Current Life in Fort Collins: Work, Fly Fishing, Fitness
29:51 Final Message to Those in Addiction
31:13 Advice to Younger Self and Families Struggling
32:42 The True Meaning of Surrender
33:33 "Double Winner" Insight and Support for Families
37:37 Summing Up Life and Desired Legacy
39:23 Closing Prayer for Those Still Struggling
40:30 Dedication to Praying Mothers and Final Encouragement

If this story touched your heart, please rate, review, subscribe, and share with someone who needs hope today. God is still performing miracles!

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