Today, I was in a bit of a mental daze, coming out of Bunnings and someone approaches me smiling and ’wow how the f#@k are ya?’.
He looked vaguely familiar but I couldn’t place him – not unusual for me 😬 His teeth were badly corroded which led me to believe it was someone I hadn’t spoken to for 5 years. But as he talked I realised he was far to young to be him, and he was talking about people I knew 30 years ago.
It only started to click who he was toward the end of our conversion… As it dawned on me who this must be – I remembered that the last time we ‘spoke’ I was threatening him & daring him and his friend to come and fight.
He rattled off story after story of his life since we knew each other, in a scene so far removed from me now I was mesmerised.
Mayhem, fights, insurance fraud, failed relationships, cheating, assaults, jail and worse.
He asks for my number, shakes hands, gives me a hug and is gone. #mindblowing
It was *so* confronting to see, that I didn’t even mention the One reason my life hasn’t followed the same trajectory in our 3 minute conversation. Please pray for Blake (not his real name) as I really feel for him and want to share Jesus with Him. He was part of the crowd who was there when I started dealing drugs – a fun loving, funny young man who is currently heading down a bleak road, doing his best, but continually experiencing the pain & loss of this world.
I am genuinely grieved and humbled by this encounter – but also thankful. Thankful that, through no doing of my own, Jesus dramatically wrenched me out of the prison of my own choices. My life is literally unrecognisable compared to what it was.
First He opened my eyes so I could see the crap I was in, the unhealthy traits and my wrongs towards God & others. Then He transformed me so I was genuinely sorry, horrified over my wrongs and created a desire to do what is right according to Him. And He continually forgives, guides, encourages, protects, strengthens, provides, motivates, helps and forgives some more.
I am truly grateful… Currently in a valley, God is using some very random events to encourage & remind me of His love.
If you are in a rut, recognise your life is not what it should be or are struggling with something you can’t change…feel free to reach out. But know this – the thing you are struggling with is likely *not* the root of the issue. The root of the issue is that you are separated from your Creator because of your sin.
You are carrying guilt & headed toward judgement and the resulting spiritual blindness leaves you unable to see clearly.
But don’t be discouraged: God has given you a Way out – in fact He has paid your fine so you can have Life!
Ask God to open your eyes and listen to what He says by reading the Bible… you can do that for free online here: https://www.biblestudytools.com/nlt/john/1.html
God Bless.