I gave my heart to Jesus on a cold winter night in 1982. In fact, Tracy, and I both turned our lives over to the Lord that night. I was radically saved…I mean, what happened to me that night was identifiably life changing. I was not the same person. At the same time however, I started to realize that I had two enemies in my life. The first enemy was satan. Before I got saved, I hardly even recognized him. I knew and believed he was real—I had enough Bible knowledge in me as a kid to know—but he didn’t really bother me until I gave my heart to the Lord. My second enemy was me (my flesh), and I have to say that I was not really aware of that ugly enemy either until I realized the battle within my spirit, and that “me” was selfish, prideful, and ugly. Looking back at those days now, I can definitely see the spiritual battles that were going on in my life, but more importantly I can see and appreciate an incredibly foundational relationship with Jesus, and a love and respect for God’s Word that continues to this day.
When I got saved, I was on a delayed enlistment program with the United States Air Force. After 10 months of waiting for a guaranteed job in electronics, at just 21 years old I went off to Basic Military Training (BMT) in Texas, with a follow-on 12-month technical school in Biloxi Mississippi. A few months prior to leaving for BMT the engine went out in our only car. At that time, we were living in the basement of a friend’s house with our 1-year-old son, Eric. We borrowed a vehicle from my in-laws, only to have it too break down to an unrepairable condition. Now without any form of transportation came our 4th move in our short 2 years of marriage, as we moved into the basement of my parents’ house for a few months prior to my departure for BMT. I continued to get rides and borrow cars to commute back and forth (60 miles round trip) to my job, while rebuilding the engine on our car on nights and weekends. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish the rebuild before having to leave for BMT.
Upon completion of BMT in Texas I went on to Biloxi MS for Tech School. I was there for 2 months and had saved just enough money to purchase a one-way ticket from Minot ND to Biloxi MS. Soon Tracy and Eric (sitting on here lap) where on their way to Biloxi. I remember walking for miles on that day to the airport so that I would have enough money to pay for a cab when they arrived. I had absolutely no idea where we would live. We would literally be living out of two suitcases, and all I had for transportation was a rented bicycle. I’m sure to some I looked very irresponsible. Starting out at the enlisted bottom ranks with a family in the military was sure to be no easy task. Most other new recruits where just out of high school, and many of those that were married waited until they were done with training before reuniting with their family. But my school was much longer than most and I already felt lost without Tracy and Eric. Additionally, I was a new Christian I was honestly trying to trust and rely on God to take care of my family.
We lived on an old hotel for a week before moving into a small two room efficiency rental house. This is where we were introduced to cockroaches…lots of them, not to mention the experience of living in a run-down, un-safe neighborhood. I was a few miles away from the Air Force Base and continued to travel each day by bicycle…until the day that my rental bike was stolen. Then having to pay for the stolen bike, and although Tracy had picked-up a job at a local restaurant, I was not able to afford to rent another bike and was forced to walk each day. Still, we managed. We were growing as a family and growing in God. Each day, I reported on-base at the crack of dawn. On my first break I would purchase one hard-boiled egg from a food truck for 25 cents and then had a PB&J sandwich that Tracy packed for my lunch.
I realize the hardships we endured back then are not nearly as bad as what many have faced. But it’s a good reminder for me, and I’m actually very glad we went through that time. I look back now and remember how satan had and has tried many times to discourage me from trusting in God. That night that I got saved, I remember walking out of the building and immediately feeling the struggle and lies that the enemy was trying to tell me…lies like, “That wasn’t real, you’re not changed, it won’t last” etc. But I realized that satan was not happy with what had just taken place and he was going to try to pick fights with me. One thing after another tried to get me down after I gave my heart to the Lord. To this day, every now and again the enemy tries to discourage me in some way. But God has always been faithful.
Perhaps you are going through a tough time right now, and you feel like you are all alone in your situation. Maybe you are being plagued by your past or you can’t see the light at the end of your tunnel. Listen friend, satan will always try to discourage us and come against us in many ways. But the good news is that when we belong to Christ, we fall under the shadow of the Most High. There is no time or situation that God is not aware of. In fact, He longs to go to battle for us.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91
Yes, the enemy of our souls will always try to come against us. But I promise you friend, when you choose to put your trust in Christ, you can rise above any and every temptation and trouble in life…100 percent!
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor 10:13 ESV
God wants to bless you and work out the story of your life. He has a wonderful legacy planned for you. He has created each one of us uniquely with our own background, or own likes, dislikes, feelings, talents, and experiences. Your story…your life is meant to be a testimony of Gods love and His faithfulness. Maybe you feel as though your situation is too tough, too hard to endure, too complicated to even understand. Perhaps you feel alone, or even abandoned by God. Listen, God says that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us (Jer 29:11).
Maybe you have lost confidence in yourself, or even in God. Have you been living a life of pain and sorrow, feeling like you just drew the short stick in life? I’m here to tell you that Jesus died to give you a life of abundance. You can choose to remain in your situation as you are, or you can choose to embrace all that God has for you. It really boils down to your choice—the question is not God’s desire to bless you—the question is if you are willing to trust Him or not. Isaiah 48:17 says:
This is what Yahweh, your Kinsman-Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: “I am Yahweh, your God. I am the One who teaches you how to succeed and who leads you step by step in the way you should go.
We all go through things in life. But if we are putting our faith in God, He will never park us or leave us in those places. He is always calling us forward. Push through your situation…take the higher ground. Get back up…keep moving forward. God promises to bring hope, healing, restoration, and guidance WHEN we put our trust in Him. The question is not will God help you—the question is will you choose to trust Him.
Won’t you trust Him today? There is simply no greater satisfaction in life, than to know and put your trust in Jesus. To talk and walk with Him every single day. The world will try to tell you that you have to give up so many things in order to be a Christian. But actually, only the opposite is true—You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Christianity is not about what you do or don’t do…that describes religion. I can tell you firsthand that my relationship with Jesus gives me the ultimate freedom in life. I encourage you today…give your heart and all your worries and troubles to Him. He is waiting to hear from you.
Friends we are living in unprecedented times—nobody can argue that. But I know who my redeemer is, and I believe His Word. You and I are living in times when we are about to see the presence of God like we have never seen or experienced it before. Don’t be dismayed, these are absolutely exciting days! Set your eyes on God. There is a mighty river of God that is coming. It will bring refreshing and unspeakable joy…joy that you do not want to miss.
I truly hope that you are encouraged today friends. The Bible says that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:8). He sees you right where you are today. Be courageous, stay positive, and put your trust in Him.
Blessed by the Best,
Mark
…I’d love to hear from you and what God is doing in your life.
See You in the River 