On Sunday, my pastor visited 1 Peter. In the passage, we are taught to fight temptation.
1 Peter 5:8-9
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
For most of us, Christmas seems like a merry time, filled with presents, family, and friends. However, for someone battling addiction or for those in recovery, Christmas can provide echoes of trauma that can bring someone to their knees.
Be mindful and provide an open ear in the coming weeks.
Christmas can seem daunting for those battling substance use. From financial and consumer pressures to dealing with complex family relationships. Understanding the everyday stressors of the average person can be overwhelming for someone dealing with an addiction is important.
Even social situations provide barriers. People can feel the pressure of being the ‘perfect host.’ For someone in addiction, alcohol and drugs may give them an outlet of feeling clarity or can even provide them confidence when hosting a gathering.
The reality, social interactions often provide opportunities to drink alcohol or use drugs. If you suspect or know a friend or family member who suffers from substance use, offer them a sober environment to interact.
While the vast majority enjoy Christmas, it can be a desperate time for millions of Americans. A friend or family member may need to seek out treatment, and as we find, Christmas and the New Year often provide moments of clarity.
Back to 1 Peter
So often, we can find it difficult to support a friend or loved one battling a substance use disorder (SUD). Possibly we tell ourselves or even verbally aloud, “Why are they so selfish,” or ” Why can’t they just quit.”
I urge you to remember we all deal with our trials and tribulations. Possibly it’s gambling, pornography, tobacco use, or simply telling half-truths. No sin is too big or too small.
As we see every minute, day, month, and year, those battling a SUD simply need a belief in themselves and others that they can exceed the expectations of the world and even their own. Simply put, everyone deserves a second chance, a career, hope, and opportunity. If we provide that, the outcome is Destiny driven.
1 Peter 5:10
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
