It took me a long time to realize that when working with people who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol, I am just a messenger, and the results of my efforts are entirely in God’s hands.

In the early years of my reaching out to people with a drug addiction,

I was devastated when the person

I was helping returned to their

old ways. On the other hand, when God allowed me to see the fruit of my labor, I accepted, with pride

and undue credit, the person’s success.

After attending a 12-step recovery meeting 30 years ago, I had a rude awakening when an older and wiser man put his arm around my shoulder and asked permission to share something with me.

Curiously waiting for an encouraging word from him, I agreed. He then said something I needed to hear. “Harold, I’ve noticed that you invite a lot of newcomers to our support group. I’ve also observed that when one of them succeeds, you take pride in their accomplishments. We don’t mind that, but would like to ask a favor of you. Would you take the blame for all the people you invite who fail to recover?”

It’s been a long time since that man was used by God to give me a message I’ve never forgotten. He died some years ago, but his words of wisdom still ring in my ear.  

I also remember a speaker saying that God doesn’t need any of us, but He wants to use us. He wants to use us not for our excitement, but for His glory.

Do I still get excited when some-one I minister to gets and stays

on the right path? You bet I do!

The big difference today is I realize I am only required to plant a seed – the increase is entirely up to God.

Do I grieve, like I am doing this week, when a person I put part of my life into goes back into using drugs? Yes, but the big difference is that I don’t allow it to distract me from helping the next person God puts in my path.

Do I think less of that person? No. I don’t love him less and pray that he is aware that our Heavenly Father doesn’t care how many times we fall, but is pleased when we keep getting up.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.