"Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people."
Ephesians 6:18
“There is nothing worth living for unless it’s worth dying for.”
Elisabeth Elliot
A Big Problem
There is an epidemic sweeping our country. Mental health and substance abuse now affect almost 25% of all young adults (20-30 years old). We can add experimentation, suicide, and leaving the faith to this epidemic. It is not isolated to a particular segment of society. It reaches across the spectrum – even the church.
Close to Home
This year I’ve had two friends lose an adult son to this epidemic. I’ve had other conversations with men burdened like never before for their own adult children. Is someone in your family struggling? Are you?
Who Would Die For?
There are few things in life I’m willing to die for, but on that short list would be my family. I don’t mean that rhetorically. I would DIE for my family. If this epidemic has hit close to home – here’s my charge: If your family is worthy dying for, they are worth living for.
We may feel frustration, desperation, even hopelessness. But we have something the world doesn’t. The Holy Spirit. So, we don’t give up. We fight like Christians fight.
Here are a few thoughts I hope will encourage you to fight for yourself and your family:
Pray. I have never prayed more earnestly, passionately, or consistently than for my own adult kids and for friends who are walking through this storm. We have no power to change a person, but God can.
Never stop praying – EVER. Pray not only for the person affected but pray that God would equip you with strength, grace, wisdom, and courage as you try your best to navigate through the situation.
Get counseling. Even if the person affected will not go, it may be what you (and your wife) need. Without it, stress could lead to your own physical and emotional health issues.
Reach out to others. You do not need to walk through this storm alone.
This is not a time to hide behind pride or embarrassment. Whether for yourself or someone else. If you need someone to talk to or want someone to pray for you, would you reach out to me? john@bmaamerica.org; (501) 514-4223
John Meriweather
MD5 Facilitator