Although he was lonely and angry, Jason realized there were consequences for his bad choices. He began to truly regret his decision to use and sell drugs. Yet he remained lonely and angry.

One day out of the blue, Kellen, the youth minister at the church Jason sometimes visited with his grandparents, called Jason at home. He asked if Jason wanted to meet him for a burger. Kellen knew what had happened at school and that Jason was going through a tough time.

Kellen and Jason began spending time together every week. At first Jason was slow to open up so they just talked football. Gradually they started talking about God, forgiveness, and new mercies. After a few months Jason’s heart was changed. God took a hardened young man and worked His miracle of salvation.

We often categorize people who struggle with addiction as “those people,” and we think we either can’t relate or don’t know how to help. The first step is to remember that we are all sinners saved by grace. Next we must reach out and be a consistent, dependable friend. We must pray for wisdom and guidance, and we must be ready to seek professional help for those who are struggling so they can be rehabilitated and set free. God can redeem anyone in any situation; even more, He can use their trials for their good and His glory.