The Role of Others

 A valuable lesson to learn when exiting our life behind the door is the importance of a strong support system. Nobody conquers an addiction or leaves the darkness on their own. After all, we each need the light to shine upon us to lead us out of our bondage. But, beyond our necessity for Divine intervention in our lives, it is imperative that we gather around us those who can and will provide what we are lacking. For many, it may simply be opening their eyes to what family has already provided - maybe love, acceptance, and value have already been there, but the darkness kept them from seeing it. I know this was the case with me. However, there are others who were not provided with such and will need to form a new support system...maybe seek out a close friend, an accountability partner to guide and encourage them as they seek to rebuild their lives. Wherever the support comes from, it must be in place for the broken individual to be enabled to keep taking steps toward recovery and restoration. 

 Clearly, these helpers should never take the place of God in the healing process. He must be the continual source of wisdom, truth, and revelation as we journey toward wholeness. Because He can be there for us especially in those times when our support group can't. Still, He puts relationships into our lives to give us hope and to be a living embodiment of His love and concern for our lives. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 gives a beautiful example of how this is supposed to work:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return

for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie together, they will keep warm. But can one

keep warm alone?"

Relying on the input, prayers, thoughts, and care of other people is vital to helping the human soul regain its health. As Ecclesiastes said, "if one falls down, his friend can help him up." But, of course, we have to be willing for this to happen. We have to be granted the humility to come forward and admit that we need help. Just as we have begun to see our ever-present need for God to save us, help us, guide us, and keep us, so we also start to see our need for those around us to do the same. One can never change on their own. If they try to do so, they will discover that they are forever slipping back into their old life behind the door, regardless of how hard they try to avoid it. Proverbs 17:17 says:

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother

is born for adversity."

When you begin to reach out and seek the assistance of others, you will find out who your true friends are. You will notice that they are the ones who are always faithfully checking in on you, who never fail to listen, who will help you do whatever it takes to get to where you want to be. Don't journey alone - invite others to come along with you.