Like a caged bird, is the life of everyone dealing with addiction. Stuck behind bars as the world passes by. The wings of flight tied by a confined space, no way to escape. There has to something better than this — and there is.
The reality of the situation is each bird has to want to leave confinement. It’s not about waiting on someone else to make a decision; its about you individually making a decision. <em>I’m taking flight.</em> I’m leaving the past and entering a future full of beauty; I’ll see you when you get there. Easy words to type out — hard words to put into action.
Unfortunately it’s like the narrow path to freedom that Matthew speaks about in the Bible. You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT)
The fact that only a few ever find it doesn’t mean you cannot get there, it means so few try. So few try to get freed from the cages that confine them for so many reasons. It’s difficult. It means admitting things are wrong, bad, and/or unhealthy. Its means you finally have to admit to yourself, I have to make a change. Bottomline, it is terrifying. So many times we look at change as failure. I encourage you today to look at change as a new beginning. When one door closes a new door opens. The door to freedom.
So what is the first step to freedom? Admitting you are caged, and no longer have control of your life. Admitting your plans, the things you have struggled with for years, in your own strength just do not work. Admitting you need a higher power to lead the way.
This breakthrough, Jesus, is not just for the addict; He’s also for the family. He works in tandem with both the addict and family, tethering himself to each to steady their daily life. He is right beside them each step they take, and will carry them in their weakness.