Today I asked God specific questions. I really needed insight into parenting our son. This week has been particularly trying and I’m hoping for some new encouragement to keep going. Are we even headed in the right direction?
I know God to be faithful and trustworthy. I know Him to be loving and merciful, and yet this feels so very chastening and disciplinary. Maybe we are right in the center of His will, but I need clarity!
Addiction, its chaos and the recovery process is a continual fight against guilt for most parents. Why didn’t we realize what was going on? Why didn’t we act sooner? What did we do wrong with this one child? What could we have done differently?
I sat down with Bible, journal and pen. I told God the whole thing fresh, as If He had no idea where I was coming from. It helped just to talk it out. I wrote my questions and found answers:
1. What is the plan? -“My plans are not the same plans as you’ve thought of, My ways aren’t the same ways you come up with and think of using.” Isaiah 55:8
2.Why aren’t You coming and rescue us from all of this? -“I will be found by you, I will end your ‘captivity’ and restore your fortunes, I will get you out of all the places I’ve driven you, I’m going to bring you home.” Jeremiah 29:13
3. Ok, but when? It already seems late and I can’t see how! -“I AM not slow in keeping my promises as you think of slowness, I AM patient with you…” 2 Peter 2:9
4. Well then, what do I do in the meantime? I don’t know what I should do today. -“Don’t worry. I will certainly care for you.” Matthew 6:30 & 31, “Go out and work in the vineyard today.” Matthew 21:28
5. Lord, is my vineyard here at home? I’ve lost all confidence. Show me how to do this. -“Although I have given you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, I AM with you to teach you. You will see Me with your eyes and you will hear Me with your ears. Right behind you My voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left”. Isaiah 30: 20 & 21
Thank You.
You are my Bread of Life for the bread of adversity and my Living Water for the water of affliction.
ForGlorySake! – Anna
