Read Clint Decker’s June HOPE FOR TODAY column post here or on the column site.

Recently, I was troubled as I watched a TV news story on the opioid drug problem. What I learned did not leave me. I thought about all the people I have reached out to in the 24 years I have been a Minister. Faces crossed my mind of many who were drug users. My eyes began to see how wide spread the drug issue is.

What I have learned is a major drug problem around the world has become the number one drug problem in my community, methamphetamine.  Ten years ago the largest drug bust in history took place when law enforcement seized $207 million dollars in cash in a meth raid. And six years ago worldwide seizures of meth increased by 73%. Additionally, the U.S. Sentencing Commission said that meth has produced more offenses than any other drug in 27 states.

The abuse of meth is at pandemic proportions. The other day someone asked me, “Why do people start using meth?” According to one article, the drug seems attractive on the surface by the good feelings it brings. Users feel an instant euphoria, followed by a long high, then feel more energy, extreme confidence, and strong sexual desires. There are many more reasons users are lured in.

It is one of the most dangerous street drugs because it sucks you in then destroys you. It is like a deadly parasite that takes your health, family, livelihood and gives nothing back.  It attacks you physically, rotting your teeth and can collapse your jaw.  Due to hallucinations of a crank bug on your skin, you scar yourself marring your appearance. It not only causes you to be a physical danger to yourself, but to everyone around you.

Every user has a heart problem, not from a medical standpoint but a spiritual one. It is deeper than drugs and something we all have in common. The Scripture says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick . . .” (Jeremiah 17:9). Their heart problem is expressed through drugs, but yours might be shown through sexual immorality or unforgiveness.  Is there a solution to this?  Yes!  Jesus!

Jesus can heal, restore and forgive the sin and brokenness in the heart. He died and rose again from the dead to show us the power He has and what He can do. Let us bring the power of Jesus to every meth addict.

Where do we start? Prayer. Let the meth affected communities call out to Jesus on behalf of their precious sons and daughters. Let grandparents and parents cry out to Jesus for their kids.  Let users themselves look to Jesus for deliverance.

Together, let us say “Enough!” Let’s rise up and fall down on our knees. Let us bring the power of heaven to earth and see Jesus transform meth users into beautiful sons and daughters of a loving and mighty God.