The parents of addicted children are often faced with difficult decisions. Nothing is ever easy. When you’re under this kind of stress, it’s hard to know if you’re making the best choice for you, your addicted child, and your family.
But it must be done. So how do you do it? How do you make the right choice again and again?
If you’re a Christian, the Bible tells you exactly how to do this. First, you need a plan. Next, every choice you make should support that plan.
To create a good plan, begin with trust. Trust God to have an awesome plan in mind for you and your family, just like he promises in the Bible:
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, and I will change your lot.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14, NAB)
Your plan must be the best plan for your addicted child AND your entire family. Everyone is important in an addiction situation. No one should be left out. But don’t worry. If your plan abides by the Ten Commandments, it’s a good plan for your Christian family.
Now that you have a plan, how do you make the right choices to support that plan? Once again, the Bible offers sound advice:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9, NAB)
Making the best choice in any addiction situation isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Trust God to help you create a plan in line with his commandments. Make sure every decision not only supports that plan but also follows the wise advice in Philippians.
When you do, you’ll make good choices. And you’ll walk in the peace of God. Wow. It doesn’t get any better than that, does it?
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Are you the parent of a child addicted to drugs or alcohol? The emotional roller coaster of addiction is not God’s best for you or your family. Dave Cooke is an Addiction Coach and an internationally recognized speaker. Let him show you how to move your family back on track in a healthier direction by applying Christian principles. To contact Dave for private coaching, go to https://www.100pedals.com/coaching/ or email dave@100Pedals.com. You’ll be amazed what a difference an hour with Dave can make in your life!
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