Pushing myself as I ran, I thought about my army training. A time I was running with a heavy pack and trying to also to carry a friend who was supposed to be wounded for many miles. We had to do this under a certain time and also we couldn’t stop so my chest seemed to want to explode with the effort.

The thought to stop crept into my mind and then I pushed on. As I came through the dark woods, there seemed to be lights up ahead. Youths were partying in cars defying the government’s order to stay inside. As I ran past I could smell the drugs they were smoking.

Galatians 6:7–8

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life

When you focus on the flesh, the world, it seems like you can just give up, you might constantly get thoughts that “you might as well give up now because you are worthless”, or sin at the time might seem pleasurable – like these youths. But they will reap nothing that is fruitful. How I might have been the same. As I passed them I prayed for them to be saved.

It seems that young people are more and more focussing on the negative thoughts about themselves or on the pleasure or excitement they get from doing something they shouldn’t do.

Despite my impatience wanting to do work for God, I can’t force God to do work. We must have patience and wait for God to speak.

Picture “Beeston Castle wall Cheshire” The wall in the picture can seem like a limit, like something that stops people expressing themselves – but God gives us a law so that we can lead fruitful lives. Lives were all life is respected. Young and old equally.

Dear Lord, help all people who are addicted to drugs. Help them and heal them so that they can lead normal lives. Help the young people realise that they need to follow the guidance of the government. In Jesus name. Amen.