# What it means to be a Child of God

May 25, 2025 by Dave Cooke 8 Comments

This morning I was thinking of my son, out on the street with nothing but an empty wallet, the clothes on his back, the shoes on his feet, and running. While I pray that he discover a way to move towards those opportunities that could save him, unfortunately he is running away from them.

In yesterday morning’s prayer group, one of the participants shared powerful wisdom and insight regarding my child’s struggle. It is not his addiction, the impending threat of prison, or how he views his circumstances that are getting in his way. In reality, he has not embraced or discovered what it means to be a child of God. He is still looking at his situation as his problem; his fears are his reality and his belief that they are bigger than his ability to deal with them has become his truth.

Once he realizes how big his Father God is and discovers how to give it all to Him, his life will change dramatically. No addiction is bigger than God. No problem, no issue, no situation, no challenge is more powerful than Him.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4 (NKJV)

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

As a child of God, our problems become His provided we trust and believe in Him enough to give them to him completely. We may still find ourselves in situations that distress us. God the Father is our protector and our teacher. It is through Him, and only Him, that He will show us the way. This is a wonderful comfort for those who trust and believe in that promise as His children.

Like my son, we can look at the mountain of stuff before us and try to figure out how we are going to tackle the insurmountable. Or, we can run right at the problem knowing that our Father will show us the way and guide our steps as we go. Sometimes it becomes nearly impossible to move forward toward that which scares us; it is only scary because we don’t know what will happen. God knows! Trust Him. After all, he is Your Father and he only desires the best for His children. Allow Him to show how much He loves you and let His greatness reign in your life.

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Are you trapped on the emotional rollercoaster of addiction? Has the addiction of a loved one disrupted and taken over your life. Dave Cooke can help. He’s an internationally recognized speaker who has made it his commitment to minister to parents struggling with addiction in their families. His powerfully insightful, faith based approach to the challenges of addiction have inspired and educated thousands across the country.

Contact Dave today to book him to speak at your church, parent’s group, business organization, or neighborhood association. Go to http://www.100pedals.com/speaker-dave-cooke/ for more information or email dave@100Pedals.com.

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#### Programs for the Loved Ones of those Battling Addictions

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Dave Cooke has the answers to your questions and concerns, and he is hungry to share them with you.
In fact, it is his life’s mission. Dave Cooke is the father of a son addicted to heroin. Like you, he suddenly found himself thrust into a state of confusion, heartache, and despair. And like all parents of addicts, he scrambled to find solid ground when addiction turned his world upside down.
In the process, he has developed several presentations for family members and concerned communities to learn more about the issue of addiction in our society. An internationally recognized speaker, Dave’s biblically driven presentations inspire with energy, commitment, and real solutions for troubled parents and a concerned community. “Thought-provoking” and “powerful” are just two of the descriptions his audiences often apply to his talks. Book Dave for your next event!

### Comments

1. Barbara Cofer Stoefen says

   May 25, 2025 at 9:57 am

   I so very much needed to see this today, Dave. Thank you! Business decisions have loomed large and scary lately, and I’ve experienced God moving in profound ways. Some doors closing, but better ones then opening. Why is it that letting go and letting God is usually the last choice we make?!
   Barbara Cofer Stoefen recently posted…Show Us Your Shirts

   Reply

   - Dave Cooke says

     May 25, 2025 at 10:26 am

     Barbara,
     Thanks for your comments. Happy that these words offered value. Love your question! Isn’t this so true. I have worked very hard at getting into a routine where I allocate meditative time to listen to God. I bring my concerns, questions, fears to Him and then sit there very quietly to hear what he has to say about it. It has taken me to a place where the discipline of constantly listening, minimizes my independent actions and increases my responses to his direction. It has really made a difference. When I trust and internalize what I heard, of course.

     Reply

2. Susan Brandt says

   May 25, 2025 at 10:43 am

   Hello Dave,
   I had to write to say that I have been following your posts, but this one is so very comforting. You and I worked together briefly at the Office Pavillion, Southfield, Mi. I think. At that time I was dealing with an addicted husband who has now passed from alcoholism. I am remarried, dealing with cancer, but walking closely with the Lord. You are right on. The only way to addiction recovery is through God. My ex husband was not ever able to accept the Lord. Keep up the good work. You and your son are in our prayers.
   Peace and Blessings,
   Susan Spencer Brandt

   Yo

   Reply

   - Dave Cooke says

     May 25, 2025 at 10:54 am

     Susan,
     I do remember you. It has been a long time. Actually, it was when I was at WPI where we connected professionally. I am sorry your first husband struggled with an addiction that ended his life. Happy to hear that you have moved forward and found a healthier relationship. Wishing the best for you with your health. You are in my prayers, as well.

     Reply

3. Michael Manning says

   May 31, 2025 at 5:06 pm

   For years while going through first physical abuse and then drug addiction I countless times prayed for help but all my prayers went straight to voice mail

   Reply

   - Dave Cooke says

     May 31, 2025 at 8:28 pm

     Michael,
     That is why we need to talk. Your prayers never went to voice mail. Every single one of them was heard and answered. Just because you didn’t get the answer you desired, demanded, or expected didn’t mean they weren’t answered. God works in mysterious ways and in His own time according to His plan. Who’s not to say that your eventual recovery wasn’t an answered prayer?

     Reply

     - Michael Manning says

       June 1, 2025 at 3:04 pm

       You mean like the Hebrews after 40 years of bondage. Some people might of been heard but for some the silence is deafening

       Reply

       - Dave Cooke says

         June 1, 2025 at 3:32 pm

         Actually, the Jews were left wandering in the desert for 40 years because they complained about being freed and the perceived hardships as they moved toward the Promised Land. God gave them food (manna and quail), water, and had freed them from slavery. They still complained. Eventually, tired of all the complaining, he let them wander around in circles for 40 years until everyone of the freed generation died. Then, he led them to the Promised Land. Whenever they asked for something, God provided. They just complained about his provision and he got fed up. I understand your frustration with your experience with God. However, you encourage others to open their minds about recovery, treatment, change, etc. Yet, you are not allowing yourself to be open to the possibility of a better relationship with God, the Father. Anger is not a healthy emotion to drag around. The sooner you let it go, the greater peace you will find in life.

         Reply

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