Day 64 - Why won't you change for me?
Scripture focus: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
"You just haven't tried!" An adult child of an alcoholic recently cried out in anger and frustration at her seriously addicted mother - the reluctant receiver of a Dr. Phil intervention.
"You've been to, like, 700 rehabs! You just don't care! You don't love me! You don't want to change!" More accusations fly as the mother quietly weeps.
"I don't want to live like this! I was the best mother I could be! You don't understand!" Mom returns serve; lobbing another ball over the net in the game of addicted families trying to control one another through blame, shame and pity.
"We don't believe you," respond the children.
This mom sincerely wants sobriety; those children honestly believe this is a case of a mom who cares more about her passionate pursuit of a constant state of drunkenness then she does their welfare. The obsession that accompanies addiction is ugly.
When scripture says that God is faithful and provides a way out - He didn't say it was easy.
Can we acknowledge to each other that our scripture focus for today can strike us as comforting, confusing, and even condemning - depending on our perspective? I'm comforted to know that my suffering with cravings is not unique, and thrill at the thought that God has provided me a way out. Frankly, I'm well aware of my personal powerlessness. It's confusing (and feels even like a point of condemnation) when I am tantalized by the possibility of escape - only to reach for freedom with the utmost sincerity - and end up back in bondage.
How do we make sense of all the conflicts and conundrums that roll around within us? Like the addicted mom - we sincerely want to be well and healthy and fit and fine. Why can't we find our way of escape?
What exactly do you most desire to escape? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
Recommended reading: Numbers 1 and 2 in the morning; Psalm 47 in the evening
No comments:
Post a Comment