In many of my coaching conversations, there is often a moment when a parent exclaims, “I just want my life back!” When I probe further, I find they are reflecting back on a time where their child wasn’t addicted and life seemed so much simpler.
There are two truths to reminiscence. First, when we do that, we are likely romanticizing the past. It is easy to look back on the past against the backdrop of a rocky present and think everything was so much better then. In reality, there were difficulties then, as well. That is life. Second, looking backward and wishing we were living in that period is counterproductive to resolving and finding hope for our present situation.
I was recently reminded me of the dangers of looking back in the story of Lot and his wife. “Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:32-33 NKJV)
Lot and his wife were given the opportunity to leave the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah before they were destroyed. They were given clear instructions to flee and not look back on the destruction. As they were leaving, Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Whatever prevented her from going forward without looking back and trusting God’s instruction ended up killing her.
The parallel lesson I find in this story is that I may be in a perilous and painful place. But, it is in this place that God promised to guide me and protect me through it. Getting through it requires that I submit to his plan and trust in his guidance without looking back or longing for the outcome on my terms – way harder than it sounds, every time! But I have to trust that God has a plan. I have to trust His promise to protect me. God has always kept and fulfilled his promises to those who believe, even though the outcome didn’t always look like they expected or hoped.
In your addiction-related struggle, remember to keep moving forward and don’t look back. God is with you. God will always be with you.
“’For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” (Isaiah 54:10 NKJV)
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Is your child addicted to drugs or alcohol? Are you trapped on the emotional rollercoaster of addiction? Dave Cooke can help. He’s an Addiction Coach and an internationally recognized speaker. Let him share how to create a Christian based action plan that will move you, your family, and your addicted child back on track in a healthier direction. Contact Dave today to book him to speak at your church, parent’s group, business organization, or neighborhood association. Go to https://www.100pedals.com/speaker-dave-cooke/ for more information or email dave@100Pedals.com.
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