4:163 – Relapse

#faithbites #faithjourney relapse

Setting

When I say relapse, what do you think? Is it alcohol and drugs? Is it an addiction? What does it mean when someone says they’ve relapsed.

I’m thinking about this for two reasons. First, my pain that has almost been gone for three weeks is back. I’ve relapsed into pain. Second, twice in a week I’ve yelled at my kids for stupid things. It’s a relapse to the old ways.

Do I feel like a failure? No. Not at all. I just know I’m off the wagon. Some things I can control, others I can’t. Some days it’s easy to get back on the wagon if it’s in your control, other times, there is no apparent way to get back on track.

Today’s Questions: What do you do when you relapse? How do you get back on the wagon?

Scripture

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
• 1 Corinthians 6:12 – 12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
• Job 8:7 – And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great.

Reflection

Friends, we all relapse. Either from our own doing or things outside our control. God tells us that our temptations are not unique. He doesn’t say that to say they aren’t important but to tell us he has forgiven all sins and forgive ours as well. It also helps us know that others who have gone through this can provide support for us as well.

For those things in our control, God tell us we can do anything we want but not everything is good for us. When we can control we should not do it. But, thanks to Jesus, when we sin, we can be forgiven. We are blessed in this.

Finally, it is ok to get back in the wagon. It may be hard or feel near impossible. In Job, the beginning maybe small, but the end is great. Just keep going. Reach out for help. Pray. As for help. God will never forsake you. And if you fall off again, it’s not the end. God will always be there to help and Jesus to forgive.

As we close, remember that relapse isn’t the end. It’s a chance for a fresh start and going forward.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you people need you. Many of us are experiencing a relapse. Sometimes it’s because of our choices others are out of our control. We pray that you give us peace, healing, and comfort. We also pray for strength to overcome any obstacle so we can move from the small and conquer the challenges you have for us. All of this we pray in your name, Amen.