When we get involved with people, we do not know if their life will be used for the glory of God through their salvation or not. We pray that they will be saved, that this salvation will take root, not be choked out by the cares of the world, and thus bear 30, 60, or 100 fold. But we really have no idea what God has planned. This does not prevent us from praying and encouraging these people to strive towards the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I know my success is not based upon any thing I have to perform (even when I want it to be based on that).
Last Tuesday, Jacob checked into a Christian rehab. I heard he was excited and ready to move forward in his life. Then Saturday night/Sunday morning I got a phone call (a little after 1am). Jacob had left rehab. I was able to speak with him for a few minutes that night and scheduled to go see him the next morning.
I was not able to sleep well the rest of the night but I got enough to get by. I picked up breakfast for everyone in the house I was going to and arrived around 8:30. We talked with our Bibles open and I pray it was positive progress. What will be the outcome? Success or failure? Ultimately this is up to God and Jacob. I will continue to pray and encourage him which in the end is being obedient to God’s call for my life.