A former drug addict tells his story - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8

A former drug addict tells his story
I was 16 years old when I first took drugs. By 17, I was already addicted. To finance my increasing drug use, I started dealing drugs myself. Twice I got caught and convicted. But the addiction wouldn’t let me go, and I sank deeper into the drug business. Shortly before my 18th birthday, someone invited me to a Christian preaching. Out of curiosity, I went. There, I heard the gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. The preacher said that God loves every person, no matter what they’ve done.

Suddenly, I realised how much evil I had done. At home, I cried out to God and confessed all my wickedness to Him in tears. And then I understood what the preacher had also said: God punished Christ for me that my sins could be forgiven. When I understood and believed this, a great inner peace came over me. I was amazed that I suddenly didn’t need drugs anymore. I was freed from my addiction!

Nevertheless, I still had to face a court trial. I was now of legal age and knew that this time I faced a severe prison sentence. When I stood before the judge, I openly and honestly admitted all my guilt. I did not sugarcoat anything. The judge was silent; then he raised his hammer. A solemn moment: What would the verdict be? “What you have done deserves seven years in prison.” Silence. Finally, he continued: “But in view of your confession, I have decided to pardon you once again.” The hammer fell. – At that moment, I understood what God’s grace is. God doesn’t say: “What you did is not so bad,” but He says: “You deserve punishment. But because you acknowledge your guilt and trust Me, I grant you grace.”

Today’s reading: 1 Chronicles 26:1-32 · 1 Timothy 3:1-7