Weak Human Will
"but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13 NIV). "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12 NIV).
A few years ago, my family and I decided to invite a young man over to live with us so that we may keep him away and occupied with tasks to make him forget about his drug addiction and bad company. As a matter of fact, it was the third we offered to help him escape from his corrupt company. Being a praying and God-fearing family, we encouraged him to accept Christ as Lord without forcing him to do so. Furthermore, as a Christian duty, we are obligated to witness and make disciples (1 Corinthians 9:16).
After a few weeks of witnessing and prayer, the young man committed his life to the Lord, and his conversion was genuine as he was delivered from his drug addiction and cigarettes. Over a few weeks, he learned new skills and gradually improved his relationship with God.
Briefly, where the young man came from most of his peers and cousins were on some addiction(s). When he went home (where he came from) for a few days, he was greatly complimented by everyone who knew his former way of life and he became the envy of many. I can still fondly remember the words one afternoon when he announced to us that he got a job, it was a bitter-sweet surprise to us. Sweet because the Lord has answered his prayers for a job, bitter because he will be working with one of his former drug buddies. I did not feel good about it, I, however, encouraged him to remain faithful to the Lord and that he should resist temptation.
It was then that he said, to me, "I don't want to lose my salvation and be lost for all eternity". Those words were very reassuring and we released him by praying for his well-being. The moment he left us for work, he was offered on-the-job accommodation and it was as if he was waiting for his 'freedom' and he went back immediately to his old life with a passionate indulgence (1 Samuel 14:32). As a result, the strong man of drugs and alcohol devastated his life so much that the Lord gave me a word to warn him that his days were numbered, even that did not deter him or spur him on to repentance. He simply replied, 'if I have to die so, be it'.
Consequently, about 10 months later he died suddenly in a terrible car accident without Christ, because the Lord did reveal to us that he was not among the living (Luke 24:5).
Finally, are you struggling with some addiction or stronghold? If so, separate yourself from others and seek the face of the Lord in intense prayer and fasting for any number of days, He will hear you and answer your request and deliver you. I am a former addict of alcohol and cigarettes and the Lord Jesus Christ cleansed me from it all more than 12 years ago!
Blessed Grace
Brother Glenn
