For 30 years I have prayed for a solution to a problem that the Lord sees in a different way from that in which I see it.
As we read in 2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight. This is something the Lord has taught in a very real way.
Of three wonderful sons, one was caught in alcoholism.
Now he considers that there are many ‘mitigating’ reasons for his addiction but most take any responsibility away from him alone. The fact that he chooses to drink, that he encourages others to join him on the slippery path downwards, and that he has to live with the consequences of health problems, humiliation, broken and damaged relationships, a ruined reputation and a misconception that he could stop if he wanted to, are beyond his brain’s ability to accept. Why is that? Why does he refuse to continue with AA assistance? Why does he not understand that God wants to help him?
It is because his brain is damaged! The beautiful, intelligent boy that he was, was tempted to taste alcohol from an early age, and I was too ignorant to realise the damage that could be caused. I saw a letter in a newspaper a while ago, showing a young child, probably 3 or 4 years old, “following in father’s footsteps.” He looked so cute, holding his father’s beer can, and taking a swig from the hole in the lid. I wanted to trace the parents and tell them to be careful. They wouldn’t know if their child had a tendency to addiction, for that problem will only surface later. They couldn’t know that they may be allowing a course of action that would bring untold grief in the future. That, like me, they would come to a realisation that we failed in a God given responsibility to raise a child in the way he should go.
So many advertisements promote the pleasure of alcohol with most of the people involved being young, pretty/handsome, and successful looking. Of course! Why would those wanting to make a profit from others’ foolhardiness want to warn of the potent, mind altering potential of what they indulge in. The major effects on social, physical and emotional well-being, not to mention the irreversible damage caused to the brain which is complex enough without messing around with it, are so diverse that they cannot all be covered here.
Adolescence lasts for approximately 10 years, and during that time risky behaviour patterns such as alcohol use, sexual activity, and other dangerous experimentation such as drug abuse or gang activity can carry major risks.
Oh, my son, be wise and stay in God’s paths; don’t carouse with drunkards and gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty… Whose heart is filled with anguish and sorrow? Who is always fighting and quarrelling? Who is the man with bloodshot eyes and many wounds? (Proverbs 23:19, 29,30. TLB)
Unfortunately, that’s my son, and he is in the Lord’s care, for I have entrusted him. And so far, the Lord has allowed his addiction. God says “No” or remains silent.
Jeremiah 8:22b raises a question many mothers and spouses must have cried out in anguish. “Why doesn’t God do something? Why doesn’t He help?”
Jeremiah 9:3 gives an answer! “They bend their tongues like bows to shoot their arrows of untruth. They care nothing for right and go from bad to worse; they care nothing for me,” says the Lord.
There are many people who have mourned the loss of a loved one, - prayed for, and yet coming to the end of life having shown no response to the Lord of lords and the King of kings.
Will I be one of them?
And yet, with Habbakuk I will proclaim, Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit …. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be happy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength … (Habbakuk 3:17-19a TLB)
