Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: ROAD (05/19/22)
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TITLE: The Unwinding Road | Previous Challenge Entry
By Patricia Allen
05/26/22 -
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My path led me down a road of my dad’s choosing. It was a very narrow and blistering road filled with unrelenting, questionable and legalistic demands. On top of that, I was raised in a era when children were meant to be seen and not heard. Asking “why” was not an option.
I was indoctrinated into what I thought was truth because the Bible was used to support the church’s doctrines, I traveled this rocky road for decades. I was drowning in misery. I experienced bouts of depression and was laser focused on trying to be good enough to be saved while being told I could never say, “I am saved.” My life was dominated by fear and failure.
As I hobbled along, stumbling over legalistic barriers, a quaint warning sign pointed me to a fork in the road. It somehow caused me to ponder questions that I had never considered before. Am I being deceived? Am I suppose to be this miserable? My conscience challenged me to take a leap of faith by following the sign hoping it would lead to something better.
All my life I had been told what the Bible said. Scripture had been interpreted for me. Now, I was determined to take off my indoctrinated religious spectacles and study the Word for myself. I was totally dependent on the Holy Spirit’s guidance for answers. Unknowingly, the veil that caused my spiritual blindness was about to be ripped by the bright light of truth and I would have to make a life altering decision.
I discovered the Bible did not agree with my beliefs. I was shocked and extremely devastated, yet extremely happy. I began to understand why my road had been so infected with sadness - truth had been hijacked! I had never been taught the Good News of the Gospel. I had no idea what had actually been accomplished by Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. All my effort at trying to “be good” with a dead spirit had
been utterly futile.
As I continued my studies, I saw that the Scriptures that had been obscured and twisted to support church doctrines could now be seen in their proper context and they were life changing. Reading my Bible turned into a source of joy and anticipation. It was no longer an obligation on my “to do” list. The Word truly became a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
The legalistic chains that choked my life gradually lost their grip. The Gospel of Grace was almost too good to be true because it contradicted everything I had been taught.
For over forty years, I was lost in the wilderness of legalism, despair, deceit and lies. I was tempted to question God as to why, but in retrospect, I can see all the significant markers along the road that led me to a relationship with Him that I never thought possible. I can see His footprints and know that He was with me and working out His plan for my life every step of the way. He placed me on the road called Straight in His perfect timing and I was able to merge to the road of recovery.
Sure, there are road bumps, some highs and lows, but that’s life, I am rooted and grounded in His love and no one can snatch me out of His hand. I am saved as long as He lives and He is the source of my joy. I fear no evil because He indwells me; He continues to smile on me as we commune together on the road to glory! This is truly my best life. I am grateful.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 ESV
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