photo cred. April Yohe

When parents in pain center their attention on their problems, they lose their focus…and their hope.

When we’re consumed with fear and what-ifs, it’s an indicator we don’t trust God. Our faith has grown weak and needs to be strengthened. We forget what’s true. Here’s one truth I camp on.

Our God is a big God, bigger than any problem we’ll ever face.

Do we believe this? If so, then we need not worry or be consumed with fear. We’re confident God’s got us and our children in His hands. We can cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7).

Almighty God, the God of all mankind, cares about you.

If we are certain our Heavenly Father loves and cares for us, like Jesus told us He did in Matthew 6: 25-27, we can trust Him with an unknown future. We live in unprecedented times that call for faith.

Faith helps us conquer our fears.

Dear friend, when you can’t stop worrying or find any reason to have hope, try this: Read the Bible. Fill your mind with the Word of God. The following verses are two that encouraged me when I could’t stop worrying. When I needed peace and hope I turned to them often.

Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace because I trust in You, You alone, O Eternal One, will keep me safe (Psalms 4:8  Voice).

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you a little while was that you might have him back forever– (Philemon 1:15  NIV).

A Hope-filled Story

Today I’m sharing with you a hope-filled story of recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The young man being interviewed is Brendan McDonough, the sole survivor of the Yarnell Hill Fire where 19 of his fellow Granite Mountain Hotshots (firefighters) died in a forest fire. A movie was made about the tragedy called Only the Brave. I watched the film and thought it was well done. Brendan also wrote a book about what happened that day: My Lost Brothers.

Your child may not have an issue with drugs or alcohol, but I believe hearing this young man share his story of how God helped him overcome, then rebuild his life, will give you more hope for your son or daughter. I’m grateful for his willingness to tell what he went through to help others.

You might want to pray about encouraging your child to watch this podcast after you do.

“There is hope and there is a God who wants to share it with you.”   ~ Brendan McDonough 

Nothing is too hard for Him.

Nothing.

Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm! Nothig is too hard for you (Jeremiah 32:17 ESV).

Recommended resources

Thrive – Thrive! Family Recovery Resources seeks to bring hope and restoration to the families of loved ones struggling with substance abuse or other destructive behaviors by providing resources, support, education, advocacy and healing connections with compassion, understanding and love. They provide information, assistance, and a broad array of resources to families. Whether your loved one is living at home or in the community, they are there to support your entire family. CALL NOW: (844) 349-2911

Help and Hope for the Addicted by Jeff VanVonderen