Facing the Giant of Drug Addiction

I have been reading a book about the "giants" we face in our lives.  This is not a new topic for me but every once in a while I revisit it wondering if I have allowed new giants to take up residence in my heart, mind, and life.  My main giant is my health; will I breathe today or not.  Some giants we learn to live with for many years; this one has been with me my entire life, I don't know a day without it.  There are other giants we carry around on our backs and become so used to the weight that we don't remember it as a burden until we practically sink under it.

I know some wonderful people who manage under the weight of a huge heart-rending giant each and every day as they work, support their families, and attempt to enjoy their lives.  These families are dealing with adult children who abuse drugs and can no longer function at a normal level to care for themselves or their children.  I am surprised at the numbers of adults that abuse drugs and wonder what in the world caused that "child" to choose such a path.  Only they and God know for sure.  My heart is burdened for families that have someone they love changed by drugs, so the prayer below is offered to the Father on their behalf.  If you are one of these folks, please know that you are not alone and that God cares about you and your child.  If you are one of the abusers, please know that others love you and long for you to be whole and that God holds the answers you are seeking. 

Father -
Thank you that you give us each other to help carry the burdens of life.  I pray today for those who are dealing with adult children who have lost their way by choosing a life of drug abuse.  Our hearts break for them as they struggle each day to feed an addiction that they cannot control; to live a life they can no longer choose. 
I pray that you will give their parents wisdom to act and love beyond all human reason.  I pray that you will empower parents to do the hard things to protect themselves and others from the many facets of an abusers life that can elicit dangerous situations.  
I pray that you would give all of us who support these parents wisdom to know how to help them as they grieve for their children, raise their grandchildren, and dare to hope their children can become free.  We dare to pray for freedom from the life of addiction.
In the Son's name we offer these prayers to you. 
Amen.

What will you do with the burden?

I surrendered my vehicle yesterday. So long, Freedom. Good knowing you, Independence. And Pride? You'll be on the back burner for awhile.

This is just one of many consequences of mistakes I've made over many years. It's tough, and sometimes I want to shake my fist at God and ask why He didn't do something. Provide more income so I could literally pay my dues. Stop me from making some of those wayward choices. Make me wiser so I didn't make those choices in the first place.

He could change this situation, but it's unlikely. More likely that He wants to change my heart.

It occurs to me that while God does many things for me, He will never take over my brain or my body and force me to do His will. That's another choice I can make - with assuredly better results. As for today, He promised to give me wisdom when I ask for it (James 1:5). I know that all things work together for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

The Scriptures say He will never give me more than I can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). And God promised to be my Comfort (Isaiah 51:12) and Peace (Ephesians 2:14) and a constant Presence (Psalm 139:7). My choice today is to focus on the good that He is working through my mistakes, and to turn to Him for comfort, peace, and strength.

Are you struggling with consequences from your mistakes? What will you do with the burden?

"I, even I, am He who comforts you." Isaiah 51:12

Father God, thank you for your loving comfort and for your unending grace. Thank you for the promises you've recorded in Scripture to help us through difficult times. May we always recognize the way out of temptation, and may we continually seek your escape. Work the painful situations of each person here for good in our lives and in the kingdom. Give your children the strength to withstand, to turn to you in our pain, and to give you the glory. Give us wisdom to make choices that honor you. We pray these things in your holy name, Amen.