Microwave my addiction

In the 1940s, engineer Percy Spencer was working for Raytheon, a company developing radar technology during World War II. One day, while testing a magnetron (a fancy vacuum tube that emits microwaves), he noticed something strange…

…The chocolate bar in his pocket melted.

No, he didn’t sit on it. It literally melted because he was standing too close to the radar equipment.

Rather than be alarmed or just get a new shirt, Spencer got curious. The next day, he put popcorn kernels near the magnetron, and they popped! Then he tried an egg, which exploded in a colleague’s face (science!).

That’s when it clicked: if microwaves could cook snacks, maybe they could cook meals.

And thus, the first microwave oven was born…not in a gourmet kitchen or a tech lab, but because a guy’s candy bar got torched during a workday. 

Ever since that day, Americans (and maybe some worldwide, although they seem to eat better than those of us in the West) have lived in the instant gratification age. We can basically microwave anything…and have it within 1 minute. Did someone say, “Hot pockets?!”

Microwave my addiction.

If God is all-powerful—and He is—then why doesn’t He just take away addiction? Why doesn’t He instantly remove the cravings, the urges, the painful consequences, and set us free in one miraculous moment? You know, take my frozen heart, put it in the microwave and, “Voila!”

It’s a question I’ve heard many times in recovery groups, one-on-one conversations, and one I’ve wrestled with myself. And while God can and sometimes does deliver people instantly, the more common experience is that He invites us into a process. A journey. One that requires our involvement.

This isn’t because He’s cruel or distant, it’s because He’s deeply committed to our transformation, not just our relief. Here’s what Scripture teaches about why God often works through process, not instant deliverance.

God Desires Partnership, Not Passive Dependence

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

—Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)

Transformation is not something God forces upon us, it’s something He works in us as we work it out. Recovery requires our participation. God honors our free will, not because He needs us, but because He wants relationship with us. He empowers us to walk in freedom, but He won’t drag us there.

True Healing Involves Heart Change, Not Just Behavior Modification

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

—Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Addiction isn’t just a behavior problem. Addiction is a heart and mind issue. And God’s method of healing involves the slow, intentional renewing of our minds. This takes time, Scripture, community, and vulnerability. Quick fixes rarely reach the depths that true transformation touches. Don’t get me wrong, you definitely need to change your behaviors, but if thos behavioral changes aren’t leading you to transformation in to the image of Christ, then you need to look at your motives. 

Struggles Produce Perseverance and Character

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance…”

—James 1:2-4 (NIV)

God sometimes allows the struggle to remain because He is forming something deeper in us: perseverance, maturity, and trust. Instant freedom may feel good, but the long road of recovery teaches us to rely on God in the valleys, not just celebrate Him on the mountaintops.

Be an oak tree, not grass. Grass grows quickly. You water it and in a few days it’s up. But, it also withers fast in a drought or heat. An oak tree? That takes years to grow deep roots and strong branches. It weathers storms and lasts generations. Addiction recovery isn't about sprouting up quickly; it’s about becoming unshakeable. God is shaping you into an oak tree, and that kind of strength takes time.

Jesus Often Invited People to Act in Their Healing

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’”

—John 5:8 (NIV)

Jesus had the power to heal with a word, and He often did, but notice how often He asked people to respond in faith: stretch out your hand, go wash, follow me. Transformation is relational. He invites our involvement because it reveals our desire, obedience, and trust.

Recovery Is a Journey, Not Just an Event

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

—Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Addiction recovery is rarely a one-time event; it’s a daily walk of surrender. God promises a harvest, but He often withholds it until we’ve learned to walk in dependence on Him. He’s not withholding healing; He’s growing something in us that will last.

God’s Goal Is Transformation

God doesn’t just want us sober. He wants us to be free. 

He doesn’t just want better behavior. He wants a renewed heart. 

And the process of recovery is often the crucible where that kind of transformation takes place.

So if you’re still waiting for instant deliverance, take heart. The process you’re walking through isn’t a punishment; it’s an invitation. God is with you in it, shaping you into someone who reflects His image more and more.

Don’t give up. Stay surrendered. Keep walking. And know this: God is not just interested in what you’re recovering from; He cares deeply about who you’re becoming.

God is in relentless pursuit of you; join him in your relentless pursuit of Him.