From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Some of the most heartbreaking stories are from people who tell how drugs have ravaged their lives and destroyed families. Each generation, it seems, becomes more addicted to the sedatives of life, to dull the pain of living. The Bible condemns the use of any substance which alters or distorts our thinking (including alcohol, which was the most common drug in ancient times). Many prescription drugs can be used for good medicine, but when abused, they become destructive.

Some years ago a woman by the name of Velma Barfield was convicted of murder. She had committed heinous crimes under the addiction of many different drugs. While in a security prison, she heard a radio evangelist who said that no matter what people have done, Jesus loves them and wants to save their souls. Velma had heard these words all of her life, but for the first time she understood them. Velma surrendered her life to Christ and served him for many years as she waited for her death sentence.

This woman exhibited the love of Christ in her life to all the people she came into contact with while in prison and became a great influence. She said, “If I had the choice of living free on the outside without my Lord, or living on death row with Him, I would choose death row.”

There is hope in Christ to overcome whatever defeats us in life, but we must surrender ourselves to the One who transforms our hearts. He strengthens us in our times of temptation whether it is drug addiction or anything that keeps us from living for Him. God says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15).

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

You can have hope and peace. Start here.