"Help"

Will they do the right thing,

You can’t always know,

It’s not what they will promise,

Only their actions show.

They will by their behavior,

Make their intentions known,

And if they’re really ready,

To indicate they’ve grown,

Past their need for crazy,

And what they used to do,

And if they want a new life,

Addiction-free and true.

And if you want to help them,

Listen close and see,

The actions that will line up,

With who they want to be.

And if they do not show you,

You still can love and pray,

But don’t waste lots of effort,

On making them okay.

‘Cause you’ll get codependent,

And make yourself content,

Only if you’re trying,

To help someone who’s sent,

All the dead-wrong signals,

Said no to every step,

But still want your attention,

Though you will be inept,

To ever make some progress,

‘Cause they don’t want to do,

All the things so needed,

To find a life that’s new.

So use God-given wisdom,

And learn to read the signs,

Of those who want to change things,

And some, it’s not quite time.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person…” (2 Cor. 5:17, NLT)

People can change. They do it all the time. They quit smoking, get sober, lose weight, etc. It’s amazing how powerful our choices and habits can become. But the changes that matter most are the ones that God does in our hearts by His grace. Grace not only forgives. It heals and empowers us to live a new life. Becoming a new person, from the inside out, requires dedicating oneself to what the Lord requires. After working with those in recovery for many years, I have discovered that people will show you when they’re are ready to change. It’s not what they say that counts, it’s what they do. They are willing to do whatever it takes, and until then, lasting change is impossible. If you’re trying to help someone like that, it’s good to remember that you can’t do it for them. But you can walk beside them and help them find a new life if they’re ready.

Lord, give us wisdom to help those we can, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, timcox.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.