Growing up, I never found myself in fear that my parents would split up but they’ve told me stories of how their marriage was on the verge of divorce many times in the early years.
Dad was traveling in a rock band, living a lifestyle of parties and drugs, while mom was home alone, wondering if he was alright. The stress of it all sent them into divorce courts more than once and somehow (we now know it was the grace of God) they would always get back together.
Mom’s loneliness led her to church where she found Christ and from that day on, she prayed for my Dad’s salvation. He would try to antagonize her by telling her she couldn’t drive HIS car or give HIS money to the church. Still, God provided for Mom with transportation and a job where she could earn money to give in the offering.
As a small child, Mom began teaching me the principles of giving and she loves to tell the story of my first time giving in church. I was about two years old, sitting with someone in the congregation, while she was singing in the choir, when it came time for the offering. From the choir loft, she helplessly watched as I opened her purse, pulled out her wallet and dumped it’s entire contents into the offering plate! Thankfully, since I learned by her example, she didn’t hold it against me!
Every night, before going to bed, Mom and I would pray aloud together as we waited for Dad to come to Christ. Even if he was home, we prayed aloud, calling his name out to God, asking Him to touch Dad’s heart and save him. Dad says he can still remember the conviction he felt and that, even when he would leave to play in the band, God would keep him awake at night, reminding him that his family loved him and that he needed to be saved.
After three and a half years of prayer, Dad gave his heart to Christ. He drove home in the middle of the night, woke up my mother and simply said to her “I want what you’ve got!”
The transformation in my dad’s life still thrills and amazes me! Although I was too young to remember that part of my dad’s life, I had heard the stories of how he was “the meanest man in town,” how he would fight and deal drugs and because of the rough crowd he ran with, even needed to sleep with a gun under his pillow! Praise God, that is no longer the story of my dad’s life! God changed him and he became a gentle, loving husband and father. Truly, a new creation in Christ!
Who in your life needs to experience the transforming power of Christ? Is it your husband, wife, father, mother, a sibling or a friend? You may be discouraged today, but I want to encourage you to stay strong. The blood of Jesus still has the power to save a lost sinner and to heal a hurting soul! So, don’t give up! Let’s rejoice in the promise that God will never leave or forsake us and have faith for answered prayers!
Author: Melissa Brady
| Author's Website: http://jimandmelissabrady.com
Written: 06/05/2009
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Category: Love Stories
Comments: 1
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What a great story.
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