Monday, April 13, 2009
A Fish Called Wheeler
I have been considering the story of Jonah for some time now. Jonah was a guy in the Bible that was running from God and being disobedient. He went as far as to hop on a boat and go the opposite direction from where God had called him to go. As a result of his disobedience, God allowed a storm to come. The sailors on the boat were terrified. They did everything they could to right the boat and things just got worse. It became obvious that the only way to save the boat, and everyone on it, was to toss Jonah overboard.
Even today people often find that they are going through a storm that has been caused by the actions of a loved one who is trapped in addiction. No matter what they do or how hard they try, their lives are in chaos and they don’t know what else they can do. They too, have to make the hard choice and come to the realization that they can not have any semblance of a life as long as this loved one continues to bring the storm. It is never easy to tell a loved one that they can’t live in the home any more. It can be a scary thing. What might happen to him on the streets? Will God take care of her even in her addiction?
Returning to the story of Jonah, when the sailors finally threw Jonah off the boat, God provided a large fish to swallow Jonah. While many may see that fish as a punishment, it was actually a life saving event for Jonah. Without the fish, it is certain that Jonah’s life would have ended. It was in that fish however, that Jonah realized that he had nowhere to turn but to God. Once Jonah turned to God, he was delivered from the fish and began to walk according to God’s will.
As hard as it may be to ask an addicted family member to leave your home, there is a place where they can go where they might finally realize that they need the Lord. There is a place where they can go and hear about Bible-based programs designed to help addicts and alcoholics overcome their sinful behaviors and learn to walk with Christ. That place is right here at Wheeler Mission Ministries. If you or someone you know is being affected by a life dominating addiction, give us a call at 317-635-3575 and ask about the programs we have to offer.
Rick
Even today people often find that they are going through a storm that has been caused by the actions of a loved one who is trapped in addiction. No matter what they do or how hard they try, their lives are in chaos and they don’t know what else they can do. They too, have to make the hard choice and come to the realization that they can not have any semblance of a life as long as this loved one continues to bring the storm. It is never easy to tell a loved one that they can’t live in the home any more. It can be a scary thing. What might happen to him on the streets? Will God take care of her even in her addiction?
Returning to the story of Jonah, when the sailors finally threw Jonah off the boat, God provided a large fish to swallow Jonah. While many may see that fish as a punishment, it was actually a life saving event for Jonah. Without the fish, it is certain that Jonah’s life would have ended. It was in that fish however, that Jonah realized that he had nowhere to turn but to God. Once Jonah turned to God, he was delivered from the fish and began to walk according to God’s will.
As hard as it may be to ask an addicted family member to leave your home, there is a place where they can go where they might finally realize that they need the Lord. There is a place where they can go and hear about Bible-based programs designed to help addicts and alcoholics overcome their sinful behaviors and learn to walk with Christ. That place is right here at Wheeler Mission Ministries. If you or someone you know is being affected by a life dominating addiction, give us a call at 317-635-3575 and ask about the programs we have to offer.
Rick
