“…Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 BSB

One Choice Away

Keeping in step with the Lord, with confidence in His power and love, is our desire, but sometimes the path seems foggy and obscure. In trusting the Lord, I know His Word says He will establish our steps and He will make the path straight (Proverbs 3:6). But it’s not always easy, especially with addictions. It’s always one choice away.

Recently we were at the Good News Rescue Mission, and I was talking with a gentleman who had his life stolen by the “drug of choice.” Streams of tears were flowing from his eyes, and my heart broke for him. He had a Bible his sister had given to him but said he didn’t understand it. I listened to his story of up and down failure. At one point he was going through a recovery program, and he had been clean for over six months. He left out of anger one evening and fell right back into the bad habit. He was very defeated and seemingly held captive.

I told him it wasn’t by accident he was there at the Mission. The message shared was about Jesus’ eyes always being on us, watching for us to truly seek Him. I shared that the Lord searches for the lost and broken-hearted, and His arms of love are extended, waiting and willing to meet us. I prayed with him and encouraged him to call out to Jesus and keep reading his Bible, to keep praying for God’s deliverance and the ability to understand His Word. He said he had asked Jesus to be his Savior before.

I know God can do miracles; I’ve seen it before and heard many stories of His glorious deliverance. This circumstance where he has to say “no” to this evil drug and continue to step in faith isn’t easy, but I know our God is faithful to deliver and His power is greater! Failure has been his dark cloud, yet we have good news! Jesus wants and longs to free him. (Please pray with me for his victory.)

With debilitating habits, we have to keep on doing the next right thing, stepping in faith and getting up when we fail, seeking and crying out to Jesus in desperate faith. We have the confidence to boldly come to the throne of grace in Jesus’ name (Hebrews 4:16). The devil must flee, because greater is He that is in us, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

I’m looking forward to our return to the Mission next month, hoping my friend is still there seeking help, and the Lord.

Father God, thank You for sending Your Son to rescue the lost and broken-hearted. You rescue us daily from ourselves and I’m so grateful. I’m praying for my friend also, that he breaks free from this terrible bondage and lives in the grip of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ Name.