Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: REVIVAL (10/15/20)
-
TITLE: Transformation | Previous Challenge Entry
By John Custer
10/20/20 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I am less familiar with what occurs when the sign “Revival Services” is placed in the front yard of a church. I would hope that the same thing happens, albeit on a smaller scale. It is not the venue of Madison Square Gardens or the country church that is important. God wants to enter the hearts of people, and when He does he will renew them from the inside out.
Several years ago one of my grandsons got messed up on drugs. I got him from the home of a drug dealer and took him to a rehab facility.
After he selected the clothes he needed and packed them haphazardly in bags, he was ready to be admitted. It was hard for me to see. I wanted the best for him, but his life was as much a haphazard mess as his clothes were. I prayed with him, then got in the car and drove home.
I hoped that he would remember Jesus saying in John 14:6 (NIV), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
He was not allowed to have visitors for the first few days. On visitation day, I was taken to a large room with other families who were also there for visitation. I sat waiting for him to appear, not knowing what to expect.
When he came through the door, he was carrying a Bible and had a big smile on his face. After he gave me a hug, he sat down and told me that he hit rock bottom and then recommitted his life to Jesus Christ. The meeting he had with Jesus was definitely transformational.
He then proceeded to share meaningful scriptures with me that he had read and memorized. Even though I believed in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, I had to see it over time.
I went with him to many court appointments and got him when he was released from jail. Each time he wanted to talk about the Lord and what He did for him. On one occasion he told of sharing his story with other inmates who were experiencing what he had gone through.
It has been over a year and he is still committed to Christ and still drug free. What was dead has been revived and he is experiencing the life and truth of Jesus Christ.
I have concluded that anytime someone turns from a life of sin to follow Christ, it is a revival! I have been thrilled at the transformation that has occurred in my grandson and I know that the angels in Heaven also rejoice because Jesus says they do in Luke 15:10 (NIV), “I tell you there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Revival is a wonderful thing to witness. Let us determine to pray earnestly for it and praise Him when we see it happen
Non-Fiction
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Blessings and Gratitude