Last Friday morning my reflection blog was entitled “Entering The Not So Fine in 2024”. God has he usually does, aligned my day to what he spoke to me that morning. And he answered my prayer. I went to the Waffle House after writing my devotion. As I was leaving and walking to my car in the parking lot a cook who was outside taking a smoke break called on the side of the building called out to me and asked me if I had a minute to talk. We talked for 30 minutes. I have shared with him and all the staff there the Gospel of Christ and my past life testimony of drug cocaine and drug abuse. He said I believe in God though I have not gone to church in forever. He asked me how I did it? Got clean with God and stayed clean?
He told me his story again, most of which I already knew. He and his wife had been addicted to opiates. They got off opiates by going to the local Methadone clinic. And they both have been going for many years now. He said he is tired of his life. It is a grind. Both he and his wife go about 4 days a week to the clinic for a does. At $18 each that comes to $576 a month. Plus $250 a month in cigarettes and vape that is $900.00 a month. And more important than the financial burden, is the mental burden. He said. has little joy and is constantly depressed when he looks at his life. He said he wants to change and asked me to please help him. (I was silently praying hard).
He know it will be hard. And he knows change will not be possible unless both he and his wife stop going to the clinic together. Waffle House’s health insurance does not include detox/drug treatment. (They would be broke if they did). As we talked he knows he and his wife will both have to miss at least one week of work as they detox together because they will both be barely able to get out of bed, vomiting and too sick to work. When you live pay check to pay check, this is a problem. Plus not showing up to work for 7 days or so and the need to save their job. And they both will need someone there with them throughout their detox as they will be to sick and weak to take care of themselves. I told him I would not walk around them and help them financially and physically change their lives. I pray every morning “Lord, send me the ones no one else wants” and so I need to be available when that prayer works.
I actually had another encounter later that day with another person who asked me to “enter into their not their “Not so fine.” But because of time and length of post I may share it later.
My family, please pray for over this couple as we meet this week discuss, plan and prepare for their week going through the hell of detox. Pray for resolve of mind required to change. Pray against the attacks of the enemy who will act against them. Pray for patience and discernment as I walk them through this. Also pray over any changes that may need to take place in your life. Most changes are not easy. Pray for God to send you the people and resources that can help you through the change. And finally, pray as you walk through your place of work, school, gym, Walmart, or a parking lot that the Holy Spirit gives you the awareness of the person who needs the Gospel of hope in you, in Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friend!
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