A Real Enemy Among Us

I don't know about you, but my heart breaks on a regular basis when I hear of how people whom I love dearly are falling into the trap of alcohol and drug consumption to the point they are putting their lives and the lives of those around them at risk. 

I guess my biggest question is "why?" But the more I pray for them, the question that comes to my mind is "how?"  Not, "How can they do this?"  But rather "How can I help them break the bondage?" It's one thing to talk about all the crack and meth houses we know exist on any number of roads, streets, and highways.  But it's another thing to actively attempt to help those who want out. 

In order to know the "How?"  I think we do have to look at some of the "Whys?" Here are some common reasons people decide to experiment and eventually use drugs of any kind:

• Peer attention
• Live in an alternate reality - one that seems better
• Satisfy the adrenaline rush to do something fun
• To show that they are in charge of their lives
• Searching for something that seems to be missing from life for them
• Looking for a way to ease pain of some kind: physical, emotional, social, mental
• Trying to find something in life that gives them a sense of purpose

Now if we read this list, one of the first things we say is, "Jesus is the answer for each of these." And He is... Now... the question... HOW do we get these people to Jesus? Now before you start giving me all the how's, remind yourself of just how large the drug problem is in the United States alone... I'll even say... remind yourself of how large the drug problem is in your own backyard (i.e. community). 

I guess my mind is crazy... cause now I'm going to back to the "why?" question.  Why are we not reaching these individuals?  It's clear we have a better answer.  He is BETTER. Read the Book of Hebrews for validation of this.  But for some reason... despite all the destructiveness drugs brings to individuals' lives (i.e. health, financial, social, family, and professional), people still choose this over Jesus. 

I ask every Bible-believing, praying saint of God to start asking this question of the Savior - HOW? Let's bombard Heaven with this question.  As the Lenten season approaches, and we think about alms giving... I ask you to consider giving more for the outreach to those who are bound by addictions... addictions of any source, but specifically alcohol and drug addictions. 

NOTE: This blog was written for those who believe in the power of prayer and the Redemption of man paid for by Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary.