Devotional
My Bags Were Packed
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)
I had my bags packed.
Fifteen years ago, I was in a Teen Challenge program, and I was done. I didn't want to be there anymore. I grabbed my stuff, headed for the door, ready to walk out and go back to the life I'd come from.
One of my brothers in Christ stopped me at the door.
He didn't lecture me. Didn't guilt me. Didn't try to convince me to stay. He just said, "I'm not going to try to talk you out of leaving. But just let me pray with you before you go."
If I really wanted to leave, I shouldn't have let him pray with me.
He started praying. The Lord started working. My heart started changing. I put my bags down.
That's what real community does. It shows up at the door when you're about to make the worst decision of your life. It doesn't force you to stay, but it intercepts you with grace at the exact moment you need it.
I would not be standing here today if that brother hadn't been at that door. Not because he had the perfect words. Because he was present. Because he cared enough to pause my exit with prayer.
Who's at your door? And whose door are you standing at?
Looking back, I can see it was God meeting me when I was at my lowest. It was the same love that refuses to give up. It was someone else's flame reigniting mine. And it taught me what it means to be present at critical moments.
Prayer Prompt
Think about a time someone intercepted you at a critical moment. Thank God for that person. Then ask Him who might need you to show up at their door today.
Justin Franich
Justin Franich is a former meth addict, Teen Challenge graduate, and pastor who has been clean since 2005. Today he's a husband, father, and Executive Director of Shenandoah Valley Adult Teen Challenge. He hosts the Rebuilding Life After Addiction podcast and helps families across the U.S. navigate faith-based recovery options, compare programs, and rebuild life after addiction.
Read my story →If your family is dealing with addiction, we can help.
Free, confidential guidance finding the right program.
Talk to Us →Or call: 540-213-0571
Explore the Teen Challenge Guide →
Related Articles
Bible Verses for Forgiveness and Repentance
Repentance isn't just feeling sorry. It's turning around. These Bible verses on forgiveness and repentance show what God promises when you actually change direction.
Does the Bible Say to Forgive and Forget? What Scripture Actually Teaches
The Bible commands forgiveness. It never commands forgetting. Here's what Scripture actually says about forgiving
What Isaiah 40:31 Means for the Truly Exhausted
Isaiah wrote this verse to exiles waiting years with nothing changing. That context makes "those who wait on the Lord" a different kind of promise.
What Philippians 4:13 Really Means
Paul wrote "I can do all things through Christ" from Roman chains, waiting for trial. Here's what that context does to the most quoted verse in the Bible.