It is becoming increasingly clear that the dominant narrative is not accurate. I don't want to discuss the hardships of others because my difficulties are just the same - alcoholism, an incapability to do anything to change it. We all suffer from some sort of ailment throughout our lives. It is reassuring to know that this was the story of the other saints as well. You find them with personality deficiencies and struggles with sorrow and pain. This is why Jesus told us not to think of ourselves as being exempt from the struggles of this life.There is no such thing in Christian society as a rank order. Everyone needs grace, and this means that we are powerless to change ourselves. Our troubles are not caused by this addiction or that addiction, but by the decay of our hearts.The difficulties we face can be most challenging when we think we know everything and have everything figured out. Our desires often exceed what we can find satisfaction through earthly relationships. We need to let go of all the things that get in the way of us being honest with God in prayer. We should find all of our confidence in Christ. We should start to focus less on our own addictions and problems.In order to bring about lasting change, we must first come to terms with God's complete sovereignty over everything. Only by seeking redemption and acceptance from God can we hope to attain true freedom. All other things will pale in comparison to the satisfaction we can find in our relationship with Christ.