by Nan Jones @NanJonesAuthor
Booze was Sam’s* best friend. It cuddled him when life hurt too much. The liquid deception calmed him when fears raced like a freight train through his mind. But Booze betrayed Sam and took a toll on his body.
 |
| Photo Credit: indianapublicmedia.org |
Two months ago Sam slumped over in his well-worn recliner and suffered a massive stroke. Death knocked hard, stretching its vicious tendrils around him attempting to pull him farther and farther from God.
But death lost. Sam survived the stroke.
It’s interesting that when death becomes a reality – a certainty – that suddenly our quest for God is awakened. Something happens in our spirit when the sting of death enters a tug-of-war with the love of God fighting to give His child one more chance, one more opportunity to say yes to Him.
That’s what happened to Sam.
Sam had visited church some. He knew there was a void in his life, but he felt unworthy of God’s love. The deception that flowed from the bottle also flowed from the lying lips of Satan and whispered self-hate, failure, worthless man into Sam’s vulnerable ears. But now. Now, Sam had tasted of God’s love. In the moments of unconsciousness he sensed the Spirit of God calling to him, fighting for him. Loving him.
A few weeks after the stroke, Sam prayed the sinner’s prayer with my husband. Not because he was a bad man. Not because he was a worthless drunk. He prayed the sinner’s prayer because he is worthy. He is worthy of a Savior who has bridged the gap between Sam and Almighty God. Sam heard the Lord calling, “Come to Me, Sam. Let me love you and give you a new life. Let me cleanse you of your painful past and repair the broken places.”
Sam shuffled into church Sunday morning. He was a tad bent over, not much, but enough to notice. His arms extended awkwardly, working to keep his balance. His skin was slightly gray with yellow undertones. Clearly, he is a sick man.
But Sam’s eyes twinkled, full of Light, with the countenance of the Lord.
Sunday’s service ended with the congregation standing and singing Amazing Grace. Sam grasped the pew against my back and pulled himself to a standing position. He stood quietly. Listening. Perhaps pondering. It’s difficult for him to sing and breathe at the same time. We ended the song with a resounding, “Praise God, Praise God, Praise God…”
That’s when I heard him.
In my right ear came the most beautiful voice I think I’ve ever heard. Oh, it was gravelly and interrupted with short breaths, but there in a moment of high praise to our Father, Sam lifted his voice to the Lord, thanking Him for what He’s done in his broken life.
It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
‘I thank you, God.
You were angry
but your anger wasn’t forever.
You withdrew your anger
and moved in and comforted me.
I trust, I won’t be afraid.
God—yes God!—is my strength and song,
best of all, my salvation!’
from the wells of salvation.
And as you do it, you’ll say,
‘Give thanks to God.
Call out his name.
Ask him anything!
Shout to the nations, tell them what he’s done,
spread the news of his great reputation!'”
* Name changed
*********************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others
Ever wonder what salvation looks like? @NanJonesAuthor shares an awesome testimony. (Click to Tweet)
*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I’m featuring Kristyn Getty singing, “Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God.” Powerful. Soothing. Peaceful.
What a beautiful story of the power of our God to redeem us, reminding us that we are worthy of His sacrifice!
Vonda, I cried as I heard him singing Praise God! It was coming from the depths of his heart.
Nice Post! I love it when a plan comes together. God is so good and patient until we come to the end of ourselves. Blessings!
Yes, He is Mary Jane. Sam* had been prayed for many years. God hears us when we pray and responds. He sang praise to the Lord from the depth of his heart. It was so beautiful!
Hi Nan! What a beautiful calling you and your husband have. You really do get a ringside seat to people's conversion and to their struggles too.
That light you saw coming from Sam's face must have just been glorious. And this is what God can do everyday with every person. It is a wonderful gift of his forgiveness and grace.
Thank you for sharing this great conversion story.
Ceil
Thanks Ceil. Sam* is a wonderful man. He's going to be baptized in June as soon as the river warms up. What a glorious example of God's grace to heal the broken. Bless you!