I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

It sure doesn’t feel like Christ is living in and through us while we are actively abusing drugs, alcohol, relationships, money, etc. What of the active addict professing his salvation? Why do they continue using? How can they claim Christ’s grace?

Some die before recovery. Others drift so far into their addiction that contentment in misery replaces any quiet time with their Creator.

I write this for you, though. And you’re not dead. And you do have the flame of hope—either newly kindled or ablaze.

The theology of sin and repentance after salvation is beyond my paygrade. But I have no issue with believing He fully allowed me to walk into and through addiction and evil to do a good work through me as a result of having had those experiences.

As I look back on the years of turning my back on Him, I believe he could have used me in different—maybe better (by my judgement)—ways.

But just because I made crappy choices, didn’t void the extent of grace. Indeed. Because of those choices I can speak into and encourage others who are in the trenches or just coming to. And I can do so with authority and assurance.

Assurance that the good work he will do in and through you and me will not always look pretty at first.