Written by: Jazz Briggs
This was a couple of weeks ago, but still dear to my heart.
I was in my dorm at Indiana University, sitting down on a nice comfy couch in the lounge with about 20 other college students. Being a Friday night, there were many people wanting to have some fun, and just rest from their busy week of school and life. They were sharing stories, and just talking about anything that came to mind to laugh about. Many of them were under the influence, but not everyone.
As I was there, I looked over and saw a girl raise her arm and immediately I sensed the Holy Spirit reveal to me that she was talking about her spirit coming out of her body. I jumped off the comfy couch, and walked over to hear more of her conversation. It was interesting, and when I felt the time was right, I asked her some questions, and sure enough she was talking about a time she had experienced feeling like her spirit had left her body while doing drugs. We sparked up a good conversation and I really felt the Lord guiding my words. The whole time I never condemned her about anything she shared, but wanted to simply love her. After a few minutes, she told me that she used drugs because she felt relieved from a lot of hurt that she carried on the inside, and because of her feelings of brokenness. Then I remember she asked me the question, why do you not have the desire to do or try drugs? I told her that, like her, I desire to have peace, satisfaction and enjoyment. But I told her that I do not receive those things from a substance that comes and goes after a short period but lasts and stays. I told her the simple truths of the gospel, the good news that we have in Christ. I then told her that when I look around, I see people who are broken, broken on the inside. She immediately said, do you see my brokenness? I spoke gently, yes. She then said, she does a good job of putting on a smile most of the time. She continued to tell me all about the traumas and hurt and pain of the past and a whole lot of distress and family issues. I then spoke to her more about the life saving, life changing power of God through the good news! After a good conversation, she wanted to begin a relationship with Jesus. I got to pray with her and then after the prayer, she looked up and said, wow, I feel good!
The awesome hope we have in Jesus is that we can be a light to a broken and lost world. That the broken and hurting are all around us desperately waiting for the hope and life that is in Jesus. I spoke in the story of the comfy couch. A lot of times in life we have to jump up from the comforts of this life and go to war for people and bring them to Christ. People are not tasks, to win over, although we do, but they are worthy just to love. We are not called to condemn them over their sin issues but tell them how much value and worth they have. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17
I pray that you are blessed and encouraged by this story and message!
Love you church of Jesus Christ,
Jazz Briggs