I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up

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(Phone rings)
Me: "Hello?"
Caller: "Pastor, I'm in trouble."
Me: "What is it?"
Caller: "I've started drinking again."
Me: "How long?"
Caller: "6 weeks now.  I can't stop.  What do I do?"

I've had this phone call, in one form or another, more times than I can remember.

Proverbs 24:16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

What do you do when you've fallen and can't get up?

Get help
- Family - Tell your family what your struggle is all about.  Sure, some of them might reject you.  But if you are humble about this and are willing to accept their love, I believe most of them will help you.

- God - Spiritual leadership and church do increase your chances of recovery dramatically.  The family of God is a place that practices love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

- Professionals - If you need to check yourself into some kind of rehab center.  Find one that is faith-based.  If you need to talk to a therapist/pastor or professional who specializes in your problem. Talk.

Forgive
- Yourself - You're not perfect.  You will never be perfect.  You cannot be perfect.  Embrace it.  The pressure you put on yourself to be perfect is the fuel for your problem.  Remove the fuel and the fire will go out.

- Others - When you allow other people to play with your emotions, you will self-destruct.  Don't kill yourself trying to please someone else.

- God - The question you make me asking is, "Why God why?"  God didn't do this.  God is here to give you hope and a way through it.  But life isn't fair.

Stop
- Being in control.  The more you try to take control, the more out of control you will become.

- Trying to fix it yourself.  If you could, you would have already.  Stop it.

- Trying to fix it quickly.  There are no quick fixes.  It took a long time for you to get into trouble, it will take some time to get out.  Patience is your teacher and your friend here.

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, I love you.  I am flawed and in trouble.  I know you love me and I know that You want to help.  I'm asking for Your help today.  AMEN    

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