Everything was going well, until . . .
it didn’t.
Carlton appeared to have it all: a good
job, a loving wife, great kids. Everything seemed to work in his favor, until
they moved to a different city close to his brother-in-law—who was a drug
addict. One day, in a moment of temptation, Carlton’s brother-in-law offered
him a little cocaine, and Carlton took it. He was hooked.
After that, things went downhill
quickly. Carlton couldn’t get enough of his new friend. He loved him so much that he
spent his entire paycheck to get more time with him, leaving his family with no
money for bills or groceries. His wife worked part-time, but her income only
made a dent in the household expenses.
Even Carlton’s paycheck couldn’t cover
his desire for more. So when he needed more but didn’t have the money, he robbed
two stores, each in a different county. The police quickly apprehended him and
incarcerated him. But, after all, he wasn’t a career criminal, just a good guy traveling
a druggie trail.
Through Carlton’s up and downs, his wife
and kids loved him. He eventually reformed . . . somewhat . . . but now and then,
he found himself returning to his old friend. Unfortunately, Carlton’s life
ended tragically one night when he ran off the road and wrecked. I performed
his funeral and watched his wife and family grieve over his death. Years ago,
life had fallen apart for them and Carlton, and it never came back together.
I had known Carlton for many years
before his addiction. He was a good guy who allowed an addictive substance to ruin
his life and the life of his family. But I’m no different. Nor was Paul. Paul
was a believer and a great missionary, but he struggled to do the right thing.
According to his own confession, he often failed to do the good things he
intended to do.
Because of our sinful nature, we can do unimaginable
things. God understands our sinful nature—but doesn’t excuse our actions. The
first step toward healing entails confessing our sins and turning away from them.
Then, we must forgive ourselves so that we can get on with life and God’s plan.
One slip-up doesn’t make us failures or mean God can’t use us anymore. But if
our sin becomes an addiction, we may need professional help.
We also need to forgive others who find
themselves in untenable situations. Except for God’s grace, we could be where
they are. I could be Carlton. We can pray for them and support their recovery
from failure—without enabling them. Love doesn’t always mean agreement or
approval.
When someone’s life falls apart, ratherthan gossip about them or turn your back on them, help them put it backtogether. After all, that someone could be you.
Prayer: Father, lead us to those we can help reassemble their
lives.
Tweetable: Where do you turn when life falls apart?
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