Is there an addict in your family? It’s quite rare to find a family without an alcoholic or drug addict of some kind in them, even if it’s a prescription addiction. Or, they might have someone addicted to gambling, pornography, or the internet. All of these addictions attempt to steal hope for both the addict, and their entire family.
I know, firsthand, the hopelessness of family members being torn apart from the pain, suffering, and actions of an addict, for I am one of those family members. Lots of hope
has been dashed repetitively in a split second over the years. The more time that passes, the weaker my hope gets. There have been years of denial believing excuses for the inability to keep a job, mood swings, and much more. We’ve suffered through holiday crises, lost jobs, lost cars, lost homes, bad marriages and relationships, suicide attempts, law violations, and the embarrassment that goes along with it. We’ve shown tough love and prayed constantly. No visible results as of yet – just more chains of bondage gripping tighter and tighter.
I will leave out the gory details from this fighting of demons, for it is a painful tale. Worn down and discouraged, a friend refueled my hope. I want to share this same hope for it is what I hang on to during the roughest of times. It is found in the strangest of places, too. These were her encouraging words, “Seeds germinate in the darkness.” Yep. I’ll let that sink in. Seeds are hidden out of sight, surrounded by the dark soil. They are held captive deep down, far from light…all alone, except for a few worms.
God’s truth plants a seed. As you water it with love, hope, and prayers, the seed will eventually die, bringing forth new life. This new life isn’t visible for quite some time, depending on the seed and soil it is placed within. While some seeds grow faster than others, the fact remains…
all seeds germinate in darkness.
I have hope in a seed we’ve all planted, watered, and worked. It is growing in the darkness, and someday I will be able to see the fruits.
I’d like to say this revelation gave me permanent peace, but it didn’t. I continue to fight, calm myself, and focus on the seed. I focus on praying every seed will surrender to God and begin growing. I do my best to quit looking at all the negative behaviors in front of me and think of that seed and pray once again for it to germinate and grow. When I fail, I shed tears of surrender to Jesus myself.
Now you know why even though Word in Action Ministry is mostly known for our feeding program, we have life recovery classes for any type of addiction. Our hope and purpose is to give hope and coping skills to addicts because everyone needs hope.
Anyone with an addict in the family needs a ton of encouragement so feel free to encourage us today with things you’ve tried in your situation.
© 2015, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
You are the best Jena….as moms in this situation is a very sad place to be…but yes we have to hold on to the promise that there is still hope….no matter their age we have to keep hope without letting it consume us. As moms ….we want to fix everything for our kids and some things aren’t fixable by us….we have to give it to God and sometimes separate ourselves from the situation….Trusting God Through it ALL I love you Jena Fellers….even though I always forget you can’t see and am describing everything to you like you see exactly what I see….LOL
Teresa, you’re so funny. Thanks for these good reminders of not being consumed and to separate ourselves. We need reminded of this often. None of us feel like we cope very well, but thanks to the Lord and supportive friends like you, we’ll make it. I admire you for fighting cancer and family turmoil yet keeping a smile on your face and praising your Jesus. You’re the best!
Great thoughts can’t wait to share them. Blessings my friend!
I am thankful for my friend who shared, “Seeds germinate in darkness,” for it continues to minister to me. It keeps hope alive in my life, along with God’s promises. I wanted others to have the same hope. I am blessed…always. Blessings to you, too.
Thank you, Jena, for this helpful post. I have shared it on our GateWay FB site as many of our women struggle with the consequences of their husband’s addictions. Love the thought: “Seeds germinate in the darkness.”
I pray it is helpful for those women. It is a tough place to be for sure. God and His Word strengthen us the most, but that simple thought also has given me a great deal of comfort. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed your post this morning as well.
WOW! Such a powerful story. I’m sure many will be able to relate in one way or another because they are living these situations too.
Two scriptures of encouragement come to my mind for you and others today.
John 14:27 – Peace, I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Also, Psalm 31:24 – Be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Blessings & continued prayer!
Robin
Thanks for sharing those valuable scriptures with all of us, Robin. It’s only through God’s peace, strength, and courage we make it. Blessings and hugs.