#109 Consumed by Cocaine. Delivered by Christ. - Otis Dorsey
Otis was a drug addict, but he simultaneously knew who Jesus was, and cried out for deliverance multiple times. On several occasions, he would go through rehab and get clean and even live a successful life... but always in his own strength... until succumbing to temptation once again. Could the Holy Spirit intervene and save his wretched soul?
The sun had faded below the bars of Otis’ small window, and the cell was lit only by a harsh white light bulb hanging from the ceiling.
Otis sat alone on his cot, a Gideon Bible open on his lap. A hot tear trickled down his cheek, but he paid it no mind, his eyes glued to the page.
“And they led Jesus out to crucify him… there was darkness over all the land… And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last… And when the centurion saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
A choked sob escaped Otis, and he pressed the back of his hand against his eyes.
“Jesus’ death… that’s what I deserve.”
In a moment, Otis was overwhelmed with the crushing weight of his guilt; 20 years of addiction, abandoning his wife, losing his son, crawling from crack house to crack house looking for his next fix…
He doubled over in grief, crying out hoarsely into the empty cell,
“Lord Jesus!”
Otis slid off the cot onto his knees on the cold concrete, shaking with sobs.
“Jesus… I… need you. I c-can’t live like this anymore. I’ve ruined my life… I-I’ve let drugs and this world take control of me. Please…”
Otis dropped his head into his hands, sucking in ragged breaths.
“Save me, please, save me…”
As he prayed, despite being locked in a cold prison cell, a warmth like Otis had never felt before enveloped him.
On his knees, Otis lifted up his head, wiping his cheeks with worn knuckles.
“Thank you, Jesus.”
***
As his time in jail passed, Otis grew confident that he had begun a new chapter in his life. That he would no longer be controlled by the cravings that had consumed him for so long.
Rather, that he would become a bold witness for Christ in the neighborhoods where he used to roam. He assumed that he would be strong enough to resist the temptation of the world.
But when Otis was released from jail shortly afterwards, it would prove to be an assumption with massive repercussions.
Listen now to Otis’ true story of addiction, affliction, and deliverance!
🔗 Links
Otis is heavily involved with the ministry “Church Without Walls” which serves the homeless population in New Orleans. Learn more below.
🎧 3 Recommended Episodes
#99 From Meth Addict to Christ-Follower - Jerri Jameson: Jerri was a drug addict. She hated her life and wanted to stop using... but she couldn't kick the habit. Then one night, she cried out in desperation to a God she wasn't even sure existed... and He answered.
#85 Controlled by Alcohol. Redeemed by Christ. - Wendy Zaeringer: Wendy grew up in a broken home and was always searching for the truth. But as she grew older she fell into rebellion and numbed her pain with drugs and alcohol. In desperation, she decided to get sober and began reading the Bible. What she discovered would change her life.
#58 Raising Cain: From 10-Year-Old Heroin Addict to Prison Evangelist - Cain Kellerman: Cain became addicted to heroin as a 10-year-old boy and saw his life quickly spiral out of control after that... his life held no hope and he simply stopped caring about anything. And even if his life did have a purpose, how could he break free from his addictions?
