Nancy Barbery shares her story of being between a rock and a hard place but found freedom.
Have you ever been so frustrated that you don’t know if you want to scream or cry? I have, on many occasions. Once again, I answered the door to see a loved one standing there with dark, sunken eyes and a sweaty face from the release of toxins. My beautiful loved one was destroying what God had given and it breaks my heart every time. I immediately shut the door and blocked that phone to protect myself from the impending drama and abuse that comes with addiction. It felt cruel, but I was determined not to enable my loved one any longer. Twenty-one days of sobriety were spent, and we had to start again. With addicts, relapse is part of the process.
Between A Rock and A Hard Place
This always leaves me feeling like I’m “between a rock and a hard place”. Each time I think we’re on the verge of breakthrough, the vicious cycle repeats itself. It’s like being on a roller coaster that never stops. Anyone who has a loved one struggling with addiction knows the feeling well, and how hard it is to deal with.
When I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place, I have to remind myself that on Christ, the solid Rock, I stand. And Jesus, the rock of my salvation, helps me overcome the hard things.
Tunnel Vision
As Christians, we’re on this journey to become holy, and sometimes, it leads us down dark, claustrophobic roads that feel like a tunnel. Seeing the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel requires Godly tunnel vision to keep hope alive. At times, it can seem like that light has gone out, but rest assured, even when you don’t see it, it still surrounds you. For Jesus said, “…I will never leave you or forsake you.” – Hebrews 13: 5c NKJV
However, it is necessary to praise God even when you don’t feel like it. Knowing what God is capable of and relying only on His power will change things. That act of praise glorifies God and causes the enemy to flee. Then the darkness dissipates, and you realize the light of Jesus was there all along.
It is easy to praise God when the light of His glory is shining on my circumstances, but finding hope and light in the darkness requires faith. It is especially in times like these when I must read God’s word and believe what is written. There is power in His Word. With faith, you can praise Him in the hard times.
“Faith comes by hearing the word of God.” – Romans 10:17 NKJV
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” –Hebrews 11:6a NIV
Dark Times Can Lead to Purpose
I found my purpose in that tunnel, leaning on God when I couldn’t see. Now I write about my struggles, encouraging others about how God’s Word is faithful and true, and always brings me through. I know God has a plan and a purpose for my loved one who is on the same journey. My prayer remains, naturally, that it happen sooner than later. That’s when I remind myself that my time is not God’s time and His ways are not my ways.
When I release every concern to God, He smiles. And when He smiles on me, things get better, sometimes for only a time. God has a purpose in every circumstance. I have learned to stop dwelling on how He will answer my prayer and focus on what He is working out within me. During the waiting, the Holy Spirit is developing the fruit of patience in me. Every time I surrender my circumstances or loved ones, my faith increases, and the peace that surpasses all understanding gets me through another day. Love abounds, and so much more.
Although it was hard for me to shut the door that day, I was trying my best to love as God loves. You see, when one sets themself up on the throne of their life to do their own will, God, in His great love, turns them over to their desires. That is what I had to do. Eventually, my loved one will also release everything to Jesus, who is already there waiting with open arms. Praise God, He is our strength and salvation! He is faithful!
Meet Nancy
Nancy Barbery is a hairdresser, Christian blogger, writer and teacher who uses her God-given gifts, talents and abilities to teach, mentor and write about the importance of the Word of God. Her goal is to encourage people (especially women) to feel good about themselves, inside and out, and glorify God in the process. https://www.facebook.com/nancy.s.barbery
https://beginagainwithnancy.com
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