10 Years Ago Today...Part One

Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live...” ~CSB

On this day, 10 years ago, I had no idea that my life was about to change…8 days from now. I had no idea that I would be involved in an extremely painful accident that would result in me losing certain abilities. Abilities that I have had all my life. I had no idea that the man I was, I would no longer be. 

At the same time, I also didn’t know that the pain, the suffering and that transformation would be for my good. You see also at this time, 10 years ago today, I was about to lose my wife, my children and possibly (eventually), my way of life. But because people who love me prayed for me. Because I confessed to the Lord my shortcomings, the Holy Spirit intervened and put in a request to God for the help, I could not give myself. 

This scripture in Deuteronomy came to me from a ‘Bible Study’ guide at that time. And the Lord put in front of my face, “...Choose life or death my son…” At that time I didn’t know what that meant. But it is this scripture that allowed me to realize the path I was walking led to death. I became afraid of this awareness. And in my heart and mind, the Holy Spirit recognized this fear as a cry for help.

Since I can’t tell myself ‘then’ what I know ‘now’, I’ll just speak to those of you who have an ear to listen. Before the healing through suffering and pain comes knocking at your door, (like it did mine); hear God when He tells you to stop walking down that path of destruction. Choose life and meditate on His Word so that you can actually stop, turn around, and become aware of that path he created for you on your own. For me, I was too far into my addiction to turn on my own, but God loves us so much that He will strike us hard enough to get our attention. And through the healing process, He will help you journey down that path He created. What may be difficult at first, will eventually become easier as you exercise Christ in your heart. 

Choose life, choose the right path and choose God’s will for your life. Try your best to do it with the Holy Spirit in you. And should you have to be struck down to start over; know that rebirth in the Word of God is one of the best beginnings a Child of God can experience. Either way, thank God for loving you enough to bring you back to Him. 

Amen

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