Answers

By   •   December 28, 2004   •   Topics:

Q:

I wish I could live my life over again. I've lost everything I ever had because of drugs—not just my money, but my family, friends, health and self-respect. Now I'm in an institution and don't know if I'll ever get out. My parents tried to warn me years ago, but I wouldn't listen. Maybe some people would listen if you warned them.


A:

Your letter alone should be warning enough, for you have discovered through bitter experience that drugs are a dead-end road. No one ever starts down that road planning to end up as you have—but sadly, it happens all the time. The Bible warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 16:25).

Tragically, however, many young people react just as you once did. Instead of listening to those who are older and wiser, they live only for the minute and believe that somehow they will be the exception. Whether they are aware of it or not, they are listening to the devil’s promises, little realizing that his promises are always lies. The Bible warns that the devil “was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him” (John 8:44).

No, you can’t live your life over again—but listen: God still loves you, and He wants to forgive your past and give you hope for the future. He loves you so much that He gave His only Son so you could live with Him forever. Don’t be a slave to the past, but by a simple prayer of faith invite Christ into your life and begin life again. He alone gives new life—for you and for anyone who is tempted to follow the false path of drugs.