“Truth or Consequences”

continued…

Years ago I had been the girlfriend who stood by this so-called “Greek god”. I was there through thick and thin…visiting him in jail, writing letters and doing all I could to help him. When he got out and started doing more and more drugs, I just wasn’t the one he wanted to hang out with because I didn’t shoot up drugs. (Of this I am very thankful!) Still, I wanted to be around him. I thought my love could change my man. He had a magnetism that drew women to him. I was under his spell, hoping to make him the man I needed in my life. But, dear friend, only the Holy Spirit can change anyone into the person God intends them to be.

One day he moved to an apartment and told absolutely no one where it was. He wanted to be in seclusion. The next night I went out dancing, hoping to see him there but he was nowhere to be seen. Some friends and I were riding around after the clubs all closed when I saw a house that I knew was where he lived. I don’t know how I knew it was the right house but I was so sure that I asked them to stop and let me go to the door. They all thought I was a bit crazy but did what I asked. I didn’t go to the front door as you might expect but I climbed a staircase that ran beside the house to the second story. When I reached the top, I knocked on the door and you guessed it…he came to the door in total amazement that I had found where he lived.

I know this is hard to believe but I can tell you it surely did happen just as I have told you. I don’t understand it but I know it’s so. Several people have asked me if my stories are true. I guess they find it hard to believe that these things actually happened to me and God changed me as much as He has. But I tell you He hasn’t finished with me yet! I am “confident of this, that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

When we make wrong choices, there are bad results that follow. I tell you that these True stories of sin in my life brought about terrible Consequences most of the time. We have to suffer the scars of many of our decisions. Even though God can heal all our wounds, sometimes there are battle scars that remain. Maybe it’s good to remember the things God has brought us through. I know it makes me all the more thankful that He sent His Son to take my place on the cross…to pay my sin debt so I could be free to spend eternity with Him in Heaven!

It’s hard for even me to believe that I went through as many escapades as I did and survived. I was making a shambles of my life but God had a better plan. He did a work in my heart and saved me from myself. I pray that God uses me to help others going through similar circumstances.

After many, many failures at my own hand, I am learning to follow God’s leading. I’m learning that God certainly does know best. His Word is Truth and can save us from terrible Consequences if we trust Him to know what is best for us and follow His rulebook.

There are times now that I hear council from people about things they think I should do or not do. I no longer follow my selfish desires and their leading. I now go to my church family and especially my dear friend, Mrs. Vestal Harwood, to seek Godly council. Again and again I am so very thankful when I do God’s will instead of what seems to be maybe the easiest thing to do. God always blesses me when I obey Him. That deserves repeating…God always blesses me when I obey Him! He’s never failed me yet.

James 5:16 tells us to: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Not only do I reap the benefits of my church family’s prayers but also they are blessed and their faith is increased when God does a mighty thing because of their praying.

Satan wants to destroy our families. He wants to ruin our witness for Jesus and bring us to destruction. If we keep God’s word in our hearts and obey it, we can win the battle. There is victory in Jesus!

Pray this Psalm 119:17-40 with me now:

I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.

Read Part 22