Ben Fuller’s Testimony: From Addiction to Worship and Redemption
A Broken World, A Breakthrough Story
Some stories don’t just ask for your attention—they grab you by the heart. Ben Fuller’s life was one of those: raised on a Vermont dairy farm, trapped in addiction, nearly lost to suicide. But God didn’t leave him there. In a world gasping for hope, Ben’s journey from brokenness to breakthrough reminds us: even at our lowest, Jesus still speaks. And sometimes, He uses a song.
Ben Fuller’s Testimony: From Vermont to Addiction to Redemption
Growing Up in 2% Christian Vermont
Ben grew up surrounded by mountains, hard work, and silence about faith. His family never talked about Jesus, and Vermont’s small Christian population made faith seem distant. Long days on the farm forged his work ethic but left his heart starving for his father’s approval—a “love” he rarely heard out loud.
Music: His First Escape
Music became a lifeline. While tossing hay bales and chasing football dreams, Ben sang to himself to escape the grind. What he didn’t realize then: even before salvation, God was tuning his heart to His presence.
Addiction and Rock Bottom
By 16, addiction had sunk its teeth deep. Ben battled cocaine, alcohol, and the aching loneliness that followed. He attempted suicide but hesitated at the final moment—a flash of funeral lines and unfinished purpose stopping his hand. Still, the pain deepened, especially after losing his best friend Ryan to overdose in 2017.
Nashville and an Unexpected Invitation
Trying to outrun his pain, Ben moved to Nashville in 2018, dreams of country music packed beside his brokenness. One unexpected dinner invite from a Vermont family who’d moved south changed everything. They loved him—beers, brokenness, and all—and invited him to church.
The Moment Jesus Changed Everything
Standing in the aisle at Church of the City, Franklin, TN, the music flooded Ben’s soul. Romans 10:9 echoed in his heart, and for the first time, he cried out to Jesus for help. No polished prayer—just a broken man whispering “I believe.”
Healing Generations
Today, Ben shares “I love you” exchanges with his father—a miracle in itself. He’s living proof that Jesus doesn’t just save individuals; He rewrites family legacies. From stage to prison chapel, Ben now carries a message of hope for the ones the world has nearly given up on.
Full Podcast Episode: Watch Here
Watch: “Ben Fuller’s Rock Bottom” Podcast Interview – A candid conversation about faith, addiction, and redemption, hosted by Justin Franich. Explore more faith-based recovery podcasts and stories of hope here.
Ben's Latest Music: From Shame to Purpose
Ben’s latest release, a stunning duet with Carrie Underwood called “If It Was Up to Me”, captures a raw, honest wrestle with God’s plans versus our own. Through gravel roads, wounds, and moments that don’t make sense, Ben sings about learning to trust the higher ways of God even when the road gets hard. It’s a testimony set to music—thankfully, life wasn’t left “up to me.”
Watch: Ben Fuller & Carrie Underwood – “If It Was Up to Me” Official Music Video
(Music Video: 4 minutes)
A Reflection: When the Music Met My Own Story
Listening to Ben’s story stirred something deep in me. In our conversation, I referenced something Tim Keller once said—that addiction is a “worship disorder,” how we are always worshiping something, even before we know Jesus. Like Ben, I know what it’s like to look everywhere but heaven for healing. His story isn’t just his—it’s a mirror to countless others we’ve met in ministry. It’s proof that worship isn’t a genre; it’s a battle cry.
In every note Ben sings, I hear echoes of the addicts we’ve prayed for, the prodigals we’ve welcomed home, the fathers learning to say “I love you” again. It’s the sound of redemption.
Your Next Step: Hope is Waiting
Watch the full conversation with Ben above.
Share this story with someone who feels like there’s no way back.
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Hope creeps in—not crashes. Let’s keep putting it within reach.
