Robby Gallaty - Recovered: How an Accident, Alcohol, and Addiction Led Me to God

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 toand freedom fromdrug addiction. But there is so much more. Its 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 Himwhich 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 whats 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

Youll really love this book. Robbys 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

Robbys story epitomizes Gods transformational grace! I can relate in so many ways. Robbys been very inspiring to me and many others on what happens when our daily, intentional focus is to live in Gods will as opposed to our own. If you are battling, been affected, or know someone whos dealing with the disease of addictionthen 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 Robbys 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 wasnt 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 Ive 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 wouldnt be where I am today without your support and love.

Im 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 insights, or biblical advice.

I am grateful for the team of guys God has assembled around me. I appreciate Tim LaFleur, Gus Hernandez, Collin Wood, Jeff Borton, Greg Wilton, Chris Swain, and Dylan Young for reading through the manuscript to strengthen the book. I could not have written this book without your encouragement. It truly is a joy to serve together in ministry.

I am grateful for the three churches Ive had the privilege of pastoring: Immanuel Baptist, Brainerd Baptist, and Long Hollow Baptist. You have spurred me on to be a better pastor and disciple of Christ. You have taken the challenge to go make disciples seriously. For that, I am thankful.

Finally, I could not have written this book without the support of my wife Kandi and our two boys, Rig and Ryder. You have lived the pages of this book with me. I cant wait to write more in the future together.

Foreword

by David Platt

W hat do you do when a six-foot-six, 290-pound thieving drug-dealing addict, trained to fight, is standing next to you on a Sunday morning in a church gathering? My thought is that you become that guys friend as soon as possible!

I have never forgotten the day I met Robby Gallaty. I havent forgotten the privilege of baptizing him, not only because of what a special day it was, but also because this six-foot-six 290-pound man slipped on his way down into the baptistry and fell straight toward me, causing water to splash over onto the choir like a wave pool out of control. I havent forgotten weekly lunches at Mr. Wangs Chinese food where we would talk about Gods Word. I havent forgotten early mornings together on our knees, crying out to God in prayerful desperation. And I havent forgotten countless memories serving Christ alongside him in the US and around the world.

Yet amidst all that, I havent forgotten about Robby. I have never gotten over how God saved him. His story, which he shares in this book, is a story of Gods grace in action, Gods patience in practice, and Gods glory on display. After reading it, I am compelled to pray for two particular groups of people.