2 Cor. 10:3 “ For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.’

 The number of sons, in particular, living out their lives playing video games is staggering. I have honestly lost track of how many moms I have met over the years with the same story. Daughters too are not exempt; it just seems to afflict boys more than girls.

 In addition to the gaming addiction, often there is layered on top an addiction to marijuana and a struggle with depression as well. It is generally the same story, and the mother stands before me brokenhearted, not knowing what to do. There is not a simple answer, but I do know where I would start.

 I was at a pastors’ conference, and I heard about a very cool ministry, certainly not one God is calling me into. There are these 2 pastors who live online gaming and meet these very same young people from all over the world. They build a relationship with the kids and when the opportunity is right, they share Christ. It is remarkable what they are doing, and I am very grateful for what they do.

 I asked them what advice they would have for parents of these kids, and they said “Just love them and try to understand their world. Maybe learn about the games they play”.

 Honestly, while that may be good advice, it falls short to this mother’s heart. I told them I would rather pray my loved one out of the basement and out of that pretend world. They said that “I was not being realistic. “

 They do not know my story.

 I know that if God could rescue my son out of the world of addictions, He is big enough to rescue these beloved sons from the addiction which has captured them. Why would we doubt Him? Did He not hang the stars in place and give us life?  Has He not come specifically to set the captives free?  Does He not heal us?  Surely, He is big enough to rescue these ones as well.  

 One of my favorite Bible verses will forever be “ The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me because He anointed me to preach good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. “ Isaiah 61:1

 I read this and think, “Why would I settle for anything less than what our Lord has promised us?” How do we start? With prayer.  We must earnestly lean into God through prayer, day after day, until the battle is won.

 We fought in prayer for years for our son and then the battle was won. We thank God for the power of prayer and for His intervention.

Dear Jesus,

 Thank you that You are indeed big enough to rescue my loved one, to come and intervene. Bring the light of Your presence and set my loved one free. Heal and restore their life Jesus. My hope is in You. Give me wisdom as I am in desperate need of it. Thank you,

 In Jesus’ Name,

 Amen

 P.S. If you have a loved one who is captive to something, please consider the devotional Bill and I wrote called Hope for an Unwanted Journey. Each week is based on something God taught us in the valley. Perhaps it would be helpful to you or someone you know. It is available through us (email me at donnaleadyck@gmail.com) or Indigo online, Barnes and Noble. Amazon sells it but they are asking way too much money, I would not go with them.