A former drug addict shared his powerful encounter with God, which changed him forever. It took just a short and genuine prayer for God to show up to him.
Following His Parents Footsteps
As the son of two young drug-addicted teenagers, violence became a norm for Josh Tims. It wasn’t long before he assimilated into the environment of his home and neighborhood. At 15 years old, he dropped out of school and became a crack addict. Violence also became his way of life, believing that it was how he could earn respect and attention from others.

The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Prodigal Returns Home to Help Others, Retrieved February 26, 2024, from: https://youtu.be/buMiPyDNn_I
For many years, Josh lived his life committing crimes, using drugs, and going in and out of jail. He believed his life was worthless, caring little whether he would die or spend the rest of his life in prison.
An Encounter With God
One day, Josh received news from his girlfriend, April, while still in prison. He learned he was going to be a father as she was pregnant. This news sparked hope inside him as he thought about his child’s life. He began to contemplate the future and tried to sober up for his family.
Later, Josh married his girlfriend and attempted to become a good father and husband. However, within those years, he relapsed. Despite his strong desire to change, Josh reverted to his old habits and frequently argued with his wife.
Then, a time came when Josh felt surrounded by darkness. He sensed its heaviness until the following day when he heard a conviction from God that he would go to hell for the way he lived. But God said, “But you don’t don’t have to.”
And instantly, Josh remembered the people who shared Jesus with him before. He recalled the message of God’s love and broke down in tears.
Josh prayed to God and asked for His forgiveness. He accepted Christ into his heart, and suddenly, all the darkness and heaviness he felt disappeared.
Reference | The 700 Club
Header Image: The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Prodigal Returns Home to Help Others, Retrieved February 26, 2024, from: https://youtu.be/buMiPyDNn_I