I LOST IT ALL - by Calvin
"I am a worshiper journeying on in spite of all I have lost." These words from a song stopped my heart last Sunday morning. "That's about me," my wounded soul responded in the midst of worship. Yes, there has been suffering and many points of pain along the path of my journey with Jesus.
I lost it all. Several years of immobilizing clinical depression ended a high potential corporate career. During that season, divorce shattered my dreams of family life, separating me from two young sons who I love dearly. I had everything that the world fights to own, but it was not mine to keep.
Through all that, the Lord was good to me. He never let me fall from his strong arms. A man named Wayne was sent by God to lead me along the path of redemption. His gentle fatherly hand guided me into healing.
Jesus bought back much of what had been lost. Today I am free from depression, I have received a new vocation in the ministry of Jesus and I have gained an awesome wife who loves me. This is what we call redemption in Christ.
I lost it all. Several years of immobilizing clinical depression ended a high potential corporate career. During that season, divorce shattered my dreams of family life, separating me from two young sons who I love dearly. I had everything that the world fights to own, but it was not mine to keep.
Through all that, the Lord was good to me. He never let me fall from his strong arms. A man named Wayne was sent by God to lead me along the path of redemption. His gentle fatherly hand guided me into healing.
Jesus bought back much of what had been lost. Today I am free from depression, I have received a new vocation in the ministry of Jesus and I have gained an awesome wife who loves me. This is what we call redemption in Christ.
The words of the apostle Paul are so real to me, "I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him." (Philippians 3:7-9 NLT)
I still know the loss of time with my children as they grew up. That is still a big loss to me. And everyday there are smaller losses. It is loss when I say something without thinking first or when I lose my patience. I am in need of the redeeming blood of Christ every evening when I go to him in prayer.
But then the second half of that same verse we sang on Sunday reminded me of who I am today, "I'm a believer, a mercy receiver and I'll trust in the grace of the cross." I need to say thanks to Fike, our worship leader, for singing songs that remind me of the priceless treasure I have received through the redemption of the cross. My ultimate gratitude is to Jesus who was willing to pay the price by dying on a crucifix. With that, I am able to continue on my journey with Jesus in spite of all I have lost.
What have you lost? I'd love to hear your story, so leave a comment.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
Thank you for detailing how God planned for a day to begin in the evening. I usually "end" my day with the news and hurried or sleepy prayer. Ive had it backward. Will begin tonight to look at the entire sequence differently, thanks to you illuminating God's Word once again!
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Hey Sharon,
I'm glad that little article in the e-newsletter gave you a new perspective on daily life with God. Praise the Lord! And thanks for participating on the blog. You are too cool!
Calvin
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Great post and blog. I appreciate your laying the truth out in a relevant and real way. Too many are deceived today and your scripture references show the truth in God's word.
Also, just curious… I wonder if you ever have the same frustration as I do? As a pastor of a large church, I have close to 1,000 readers a day on my blog, but still have a very low authority on Technorati. I’ve learned that this is because I don’t have enough links to my site.
I was wondering if you would be willing to put in a link exchange with me at www.robsingleton.net. If so, please send me an email to robtherev@gmail.com showing me where you've linked it and I will do the same.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Rob Singleton
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Thanks Rob! The power of the cross offers hope for all people. As for your curiosity, traffic is everything. I'll catch you on email.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
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