Faith Through Fire: Overcoming Addiction and Saving a Marriage
A conversation between Brad & Amber Woessner, guests; and Devaughn Williamson, host.
Amber and Brad’s story is a powerful, real, and deeply relatable journey of faith, struggle, and victory. It’s not polished or perfect—and that’s exactly what makes it so impactful.
Their journey starts with pain. Brad battled alcohol addiction—a thief that, as he put it, "devours what you love most." It wasn't just a habit; it was a destroyer of peace, relationships, and purpose. The couple also came into their marriage with past wounds, personal baggage, and the kind of life experience that doesn’t just disappear when the wedding vows are said. They had to fight for their marriage—emotionally, spiritually, and practically.
But they didn’t do it alone.
What makes their story stand out is the role faith played—not as a crutch, but as a compass. Both Brad and Amber are unapologetically grounded in their relationship with Jesus. That’s their foundation. And when storms hit (and they did), they didn’t just hunker down—they leaned in. Into prayer. Into counseling. Into each other. And into God.
They talked honestly about learning how to “fight fair” in their marriage, how to let go of the scorekeeping and ego, and how to choose serving over selfishness. It wasn’t about who did more or who was right—it was about who could love more like Jesus. That mindset shift—outgiving one another—became their secret weapon. It brought healing, trust, and a deeper intimacy that years of just “coexisting” never could.
They also touched on some practical wins: learning each other's rhythms (like not bringing up bills right after a hard workday), refusing to use the word “divorce” as a threat, and staying grateful—even in chaos—by focusing on helping others when things felt hopeless.
At the heart of it all? Hope. Grit. And God’s grace.
When Brad & Amber first came together, it wasn’t all picture-perfect—Brad had kids, Amber dreamed of a big family, and blending their lives wasn’t instant or easy—but through seasons of brokenness and battle (especially for Brad, who admits there were moments he probably shouldn’t have even made it this far in life), God wove something beautiful out of their pain. Their daughter Avery became a bridge that united the family, and today all the kids are tight-knit, doing life together in awe of how far they’ve come. Brad believes wholeheartedly that God spared him not just to survive, but to make an impact—to help others and build something strong and life-giving from what was once broken.
But they weren’t always sure it would work. People warned Amber to stay away—Brad had baggage, red flags, and complications. Amber herself says, “I would’ve stayed away from me too.” Yet, something inside her knew. She leaned in, not because it was easy, but because she saw something deeper. They were different, but *fit together like puzzle pieces*, balancing each other out.
And then, life tested them—again and again.
There was Brad’s struggle with drinking, which hit hard, especially after Avery was born. It was one of the darkest seasons of their marriage. Many couples would’ve called it quits right there. But instead of walking away, Amber stood firm. They sought help. Their pastor didn’t sugarcoat it—he told Brad straight up: “Satan wants to kill you. This is not a game.” That shook Brad. He started going to Celebrate Recovery, not because he had it all together, but because he wanted to fight for his family. And through that, God began to work on him—deeply.
And then came the financial storm. They bought a dream house—huge, with a pool—but quickly found themselves paying two mortgages for 18 months. It stretched them thin—emotionally and financially. But during one Sunday at church, Amber heard the words through a song: “It is well.” God told her, “It’s going to be okay.” That moment—that whisper from God—became a turning point. A week later, they got a buyer for their old house. God came through—just in time.
And when they finally sold their dream house to downsize, they had no idea it was God's way of preparing them. Six months later, Brad lost his job. But because they had obeyed that whisper to downsize, they weren’t buried in panic. God had already cleared the path.
Through it all—addiction, pride, financial pressure, identity struggles—God kept showing up. Every time Brad would start to spiral into worry, Amber would remind him: “Remember how God showed up last time?” Over and over, she’s been the steady one, constantly pointing back to God’s undefeated track record.
And it’s not like the fear just goes away. Brad admits—he still sometimes second-guesses. But Amber? She’s quick to bring up the past victories, and even faster to trust that God is already out ahead, like a snowplow, clearing the road before they even get there.
The most powerful realization? Brad came to see that he isn’t Amber’s provider—God is. That truth freed him. It reminded him that he doesn’t have to carry it all. God isn’t distant during the hard times—He pulls us closer in the storm. Brad felt that vividly one day at a crowded theme park, wrapping his arms around Amber and Avery in the chaos. God whispered: “That’s what I’m doing with you. I’m pulling you close.”
So, if you’re in a season that feels impossible—like your marriage is breaking, or your finances are crumbling, or your heart is too heavy—Brad and Amber are living proof that redemption is real. Not overnight. Not without scars. But with obedience, community, and a whole lot of faith, God redeems everything.
If Brad & Amber’s story inspired you, consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement. And I encourage you to partner with Faith Ignite to help bring more stories of hope to the world. Together, we can spread messages of God's faithfulness to those who need it most.
Devaughn Williamson President, Faith Ignite Inc
