Table of Contents
Foreword
Chapter 1: Two Lives
Chapter 2: Playing Parts
Chapter 3: Just Like Magic
Chapter 4: Biz Whiz
Chapter 5: A Man Walks into a Bar . . .
Chapter 6: An Absolute Wreck
Chapter 7: Downhill Racing
Chapter 8: Hitting Bottom
Chapter 9: The Party’s Over
Chapter 10: Coming Clean
Chapter 11: Get Out of Town
Chapter 12: Made New
Chapter 13: Baby Steps
Chapter 14: The Body Never Forgets
Chapter 15: The Put-On
Chapter 16: Here I Am, Send Somebody
Chapter 17: Ignorance on Fire
Chapter 18: He Speaks from the Whirlwind
Chapter 19: Providence
Chapter 20: New Home, New Family
Afterword
Notes for Recoverers
Notes
“Robby Gallaty shares about his powerful transformation through the work of Jesus Christ in his book Recovered. After struggling with years of addiction, Robby encountered the living Savior! He learned firsthand to seek God for his identity; to be disciplined in prayer and Bible study; and to surround himself with godly mentors and those who will hold him accountable. His story offers hope to those who are struggling with addiction and challenges those who have settled for mediocrity in their relationship with Jesus.“
Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick Filmmakers, War Room and Overcomer
“Recovered is a fascinating, page turning story of the path to—and freedom from—drug addiction. But there is so much more. It’s a book of hope and help, filled with practical insights in helping others follow Jesus Christ and grow in their knowledge of and obedience to Him—which is essential! Like Robby (whose teaching I have happily sat under), I have never gotten over the wonder of being saved. What you read will not only reignite your passion to introduce others to Jesus Christ and disciple them; it will show you how. This is a book I will heartily recommend to those whose loved ones are in the bondage of drug addiction and need to understand what’s going on with them and within them!”
Kay Arthur Author, International Teacher, and Cofounder and Brand Ambassador of Precept Ministries: Engaging people in 185 countries in 83 languages in relationship with God through knowing His Word
“You’ll really love this book. Robby’s story of meeting Jesus and being changed is a picture of what the love of God does for all of us.”
Bob Goff New York Times bestselling author of Love Does and Everybody Always
“This book reads like a novel. You can't help but feel that there are crazy things happening to a fictional character who you hope makes it. But what's striking is that it's real, a real story of a real person finding the power of real change. Bravo to Robby for the bravery it takes to share a story like this.”
Jon Acuff New York Times bestselling author of Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done
“This is an amazing book! Pastor Robby Gallaty openly shares his story and his battle with his addictions. His journey is real and honest. When he finally was able to turn his life and will completely over to Christ, his life dramatically changed. God continues to use him to help many with their struggles. This book is a must read!”
Pastor John Baker Founder of Celebrate Recovery
“Robby’s story epitomizes God’s transformational grace! I can relate in so many ways. Robby’s been very inspiring to me and many others on what happens when our daily, intentional focus is to live in God’s will as opposed to our own. If you are battling, been affected, or know someone who’s dealing with the disease of addiction—then Recovered is a must read!”
Jeff Jarrett Hall of Fame Wrestler
“Recovered is a powerful read for anyone struggling with addiction and the desire to be free. As you turn the pages of this book, your shame will be lifted through Robby’s depth and honesty as he shows you how to enter freedom through the power of Christ.”
Darryl Strawberry Four-time World Series champion and evangelist
Copyright © 2019 by Robby Gallaty
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
978-1-5359-0983-9
Published by B&H Publishing Group
Nashville, Tennessee
Published in association with the literary agency of Mark Sweeney & Associates, Naples, FL 34113
Dewey Decimal Classification: 616.86
Subject Heading: DRUGS AND CRIME / DRUG ABUSE / REGENERATION (CHRISTIANITY)
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Also used: Holman Christian Standard Bible (hcsb), copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Also used: New King James Version (nkjv), copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Also used: English Standard Version (esv). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Also used: New International Version (niv), copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Cover design by Faceout Studio; Jeff Miller. Cover silhouette by Cole Gorman/Bleststudios. Cover texture and light images: Meet Monpara/EyeEm/getty images; Vitaly Sosnovskiy/shutterstock; alexkar08/shutterstock. Author bio photo by Joanna McVey.
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To my dad, mom, and sister.
Thank you for never giving up on me.
Acknowledgments
I’m eternally grateful that Christ came looking for me, the chief of sinners, when I wasn’t looking for him on November 12, 2002. Everything that has happened since my conversion is a result of him working in me to work through me. One of the secrets to my Christian life is that I’ve never gotten over being saved. I still remember that at one time I was lost and now I have been found.
I am grateful to God for my parents, Bob and Margaret, and sister, Lori, for sticking by my side. You demonstrated grace to me in a way that displayed the kindness of God. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support and love.
I’m thankful for godly mentors throughout my life: David Platt, Jim Shaddix, Tony Merida, Tim LaFleur, Don Wilton, Mark Dever, and Reggie Ogea. You have always been there for me whenever I needed direction, spiritual
