On occasion, I will receive a letter from a stranger asking for help and advice...
Most of these individuals are trying to deal with addiction or depression, or they may have questions about the Bible and God.
I’ve no idea why they’d feel the need to seek advice from me, as there are lots of mental health professionals and ordained ministers whom they could contact, but they will instead choose me, a prison inmate who has no professional qualifications, other than my being a Christian who genuinely cares about others.
And this was the case from someone in the state of Texas. He openly shared his struggles with me. He also asked questions about Jesus, faith, and healing. Here, then, is a portion of my response to his second letter, which I am sharing in the hope that others will glean encouragement from what I have to say.
I’ve no idea why they’d feel the need to seek advice from me, as there are lots of mental health professionals and ordained ministers whom they could contact, but they will instead choose me, a prison inmate who has no professional qualifications, other than my being a Christian who genuinely cares about others.
And this was the case from someone in the state of Texas. He openly shared his struggles with me. He also asked questions about Jesus, faith, and healing. Here, then, is a portion of my response to his second letter, which I am sharing in the hope that others will glean encouragement from what I have to say.
| “I’m glad I was able to be of help concerning the issues of anxiety and depression. We will all experience times when we’ll find ourselves having to go through many challenges. This is especially true in the times we are living in with all life’s difficulties and stresses. But the good news is that these negative things can be overcome by having faith in the Lord. “This does not mean that our problems will go away, never to return. Rather it means we can triumph over our problems rather than allowing them to hold us back. As believers in Christ, we can turn these into victories. Depression and addictions need not hold us back from becoming all our Creator intends for us to be. “The Bible lets us know that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us the strength. Philippians 4:13. “In addition, we can give all our cares and problems to the Lord, because He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7. “And we can, as God’s children, approach our heavenly Father with boldness and confidence as we seek His help in our times of need. Hebrews 4:14-16.” |
D.B.
