You are so right, and God is God. I have had a very colorful life, I have been all those things detrimental to life, and hated by society. Who I am today is proof of glory. I was a heroin addict, crack smoker, methhead, I ran with the grateful dead. When I cried to God I was more than broken Jeremiah 33:3. He has given me abundant life. Sure, we all suffer from what I call the human condition. An intimate relationship can only begin with constant communication, talking with the Lord is second to nothing, amen.
Jonjon,
I am so glad to hear about your story. Honestly I want to cry. I know about the life of a drug addicted person quite well.
Because my brother fell victim for meth a few years ago caused by wrong friendship and it might also be caused by many other factors. I think the main caused is he was mad with God because he felt that God was not fair, that God took his father away when he was only 10. He is now 21.
I have lost a very big sum in last few years. It was a very difficult time. My mom condition dropped drastically.
But today we still stand on our feet because of God.
This is the 8th time I sent my bro to the christian rehab centre.
But this time it was he who asked me to help send him there (the rehabilitation centre is located in another province, another island), he asked me to get someone to go along with him because he was afraid he could not control his will. ( I once tried to bring him to the rehab which he is in now, but he gone wild at the airport and refused to get in the plane and I only got a very small amount of double return ticket refund -- I used to prepare everything well before going anywhere but that time, I did not even feel like to book a hotel for my few day stay there... I felt weird but later... I felt lucky thank God .... ). So he was accompanied by a pastor, an ex-drug user with bigger body build.
Now he is getting better each month. His mind set must change, because they read the Bible everyday, have sessions etc. There is power in the Word.
There was time when people said negative things, which might tear our faith down. And they are christians. It is true that the person himself must seek God for help of course. But, in my situation, I have done everything I can, prayed every prayer I know. If God can heal so many other type of chronic diseases, God can also heal my brother from addiction.
I trust God does have His own agenda. I've been trusting him. If God can change Pharaoh's mind, he can also change my brother's mind and mindset.
Once when I was sitting alone, all of a sudden I was reminded of the story about Maria and her brother Lazarus. I believe God knows all the pain in my heart. How can you look at your brother's suffering from meth living a zombie life? Trust me, he almost died. He didn't wake up for a few days. And his bad friends ripping his pocket by convincing him to take higher n higher dose to prove himself! Many had died from just 1/4- 1/2 compared to his dose.
I find encouragement in reading your story. I trust God this is the last time my brother spend his days in rehabilitation centre.
Because God can set you free, He can also set my brother free.
Please pray for my brother whenever you have time. So when it is time for him to come back home, God will lead him to the right community, acticity, and friends. Trust me, he has NO GOOD FRIEND. I believe you know how it feels like when people are afraid of getting in touch or near you.
I think this world needs a dedicated intercessor who will willingly pray for drug victims because the bad influence has been spreading everywhere and destructing many from various age range.
I pray for you and this thread starter also. I will remember both of you in my prayer.
God bless!