Serving My Purpose - Scott Bostick’s Story

Scott Bostick’s Story

I got clean from drugs with the help of a drug treatment program and after some time, people asked me to share my story. And I traveled all over the country for several years speaking to addicts about addiction and recovery.

I thought I’d found my purpose. But really, I just fed off the attention I was getting.

That was always the root of my problem, an unhealthy desire to be validated by someone or something.

I searched for acceptance in all the wrong places, but I never really felt complete.

Seeking Attention

I was always kind of “wild kid,” seeking attention, in and out of trouble frequently. But after losing my mom at age 9 things started to rapidly get worse. First I was the class clown. Then I was starting fights. Later, as a teen, I used drugs and eventually I started selling them to pay for my habit.

Uncomfortable with myself, I was chasing highs to fill some kind of void. I wanted to be liked, needed, and important so I searched for acceptance in all the wrong places. But I never really felt complete.

I was caught in an undercover drug operation, facing serious jail time, when I got to a place where I felt I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to do something different, fast. That's when I went to a treatment facility.

The God I Didn't Understand

My spiel when I spoke to addicts about getting clean was that you could find freedom through a 12-step program by turning to a god of your own understanding.

But for me it was a god who could be anything and who demanded nothing. It was “god” by name only. I didn't know Jesus.

People always invited me to churches, but I never went until one of my friends was getting baptized at NewSpring. Another friend wanted to check it out, so I thought “what the heck, I’ll give it a try.”

I was blown away. NewSpring was way different than any other church I had been to. The people were super friendly, and they just seemed real and authentic, not fake and phony. I identified with them. Even the music was amazing.

I Couldn't Do Enough Good

I had always looked at religion or Christianity as rules that I had to go by in order to “please God” or get into heaven, but I had no hope because of the way I was living.

At the end of a sermon, Perry presented the gospel of Jesus in a way I’d never heard. He said that I couldn’t do enough “good.” That’s why God sent Jesus. I accepted Jesus as my savior and made a commitment to live for Him the best I know how.

From that day things have been amazing. He has filled my void.

Saved to Serve

Before, I was so ashamed of my sketchy past and all the things I’ve done. Now I hear God say, “I can use that" and I've learned scripture teaching me "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

God does use my story.  Through serving in the Fuse student ministry God has proven to be faithful, my past experiences have broken down walls with students that have lead to them accepting Jesus.  It's been amazing to watch some of the people I have invited to church come and take next steps such as being baptized and joining groups.

It’s no longer about me.

Now I’ve found my true purpose: pointing people to Jesus so he can change other people’s lives the way He has changed mine.