This month’s blog is from guest blogger, Roberta Niederkohr, a dear friend and administrator from The Faith to Flourish and Christian Moms of Addicted Children. She has great wisdom and insight into living life with an addicted child. Enjoy!)
Esther 4:14 ESV “…..And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Why?
When you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction or mental illness, you can’t help but wonder why am I in this situation? I don’t have the skills to handle this or to help them!
Why me?
Maybe you were like me during your pre-parent years and thought it must be the parents’ fault when a young person got in trouble. I never said it out loud, that I can remember, but definitely thought it. When my husband and I were getting ready to adopt, some co-workers asked if I was sure I wanted to do that. Some of them were struggling with teenagers. Anyway, I was convinced if you did most things right, your kids wouldn’t get in trouble.
News Flash: None of us are perfect parents, but things do happen in good families too.
It was not an accident if you became the Mom of an addict. God put us in this situation for a time such as this. He is developing warriors to fight these spiritual battles and equipping us for future battles. HIS graces will provide what we need if we only ask and keep in faith and prayer with HIM.
Acceptance
I have learned to humbly accept that only God’s plans should be in my plans.
Romans 12:2 ESV “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
“Humility acknowledges that we have no control over another person’s choices. Humility is the gateway for God’s grace to guide us through that excruciatingly painful process of letting go. As we embrace grace, we embrace God’s ‘unmerited favor’ that gently loosens the hold that our need to control has held on us. We don’t have to do it alone. God promises by his grace to help us every step of the way.”
Lord,
We pray for your graces to strengthen us for the battles ahead. I am sorry for when my pride kicks in and will strive to be more humble, just as Jesus showed us. Your plan, is my plan and I need your help. I am grateful for my children and the many blessings you have provided. Renew us to align with your will, Lord. We pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
God’s Blessings, Roberta