Jeremiah 29:11 (New Living Translation)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
I had a great reminder of just how good God has been to me. I was on a path to nowhere as a young teenager. Rebellious, drug using, failing in school, depressed, angry, and felt worthless. I recently ran into my "old best friend" from back in the day. This person was the friend I started using drugs with in the first place. At one time this person was like a brother.
I just saw the vast differences in our lives. I have seen where the path we used to share in the past took him in the present, and where it would've taken me. Which really is adult mediocrity.
I can't claim nor boast that I am "better", I can only thank God for changing me and taking me off the course I was on. I am not a rich man, nor a very smart man, but I know I am a blessed man. I can say I am on a better path.
I do know that at anytime my old friend can choose to get off the path he's on. That God can soften his heart and chart a new course in his life. But I genuinely don't know if there will ever be a willingness.
Proverbs 27:19 (New International Version)
19 As water reflects a face,
so a man's heart reflects the man.
I can relate to this post. It's painful for me as I watch my triplet sister. Her and I grew up with very similar experiences, same friends and even some of the same social outings. We did most everything together. We even got jobs in the same company after high school and YWAM. Speaking of YWAM, she went there with me on a missions trip. We were both Christians or atleast grew up that way but realizing now my faith was weak and so was hers. I see how very far God has brought me. I look at her and my heart aches. Like you, I don't see the willingness. I know God can do such great things, but I know her heart is hardened and will not bend. But I do not lose hope. I am consistently reminded of the person I could be when I see her...looking to alcohol and money to make her happy. Trying to find fulfillment in things...it never works. We are so different. I find it so strange that we came from the same background yet we are very different people now. But I keep praying...and continue to thank God for saving a wretch like me.
ReplyDeleteHow is it going? Any more posts?????? I do read them. Sorry I don't always comment.
ReplyDeleteI'll comment back on your blog.
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