Also sometimes the only way some people are saved is through pain. And the pain her, now, is nothing compared to an eternity of separation from God. Not everyone responds the same way, some people need pain to come to God. These are also opportunities for others to minister to those in pain as well.
Wow, pain (and fear in my case, which IS pain when it is crippling) is exactly what made me turn to Him. I was raised by two Pentecostal parents, one turned agnostic in college. It was a constant flip flop. My mom’s teaching of faith and love, and my father’s teaching of logic and ‘reality.’
However having transplanted myself in a new state from a job transfer, knowing no one, things not quite working out as I had planned (life is what happens when you are making plans, eh?) people not being who I thought they were and both parents passed away... anyway, I had a big ole fat pity party and a mild breakdown. In that moment I pleaded to FEEL God. Not just rationally acknowledge His possibility. I can only describe it feeling like a bright white sheet covering my face and the most amazing feeling of peace I have ever felt in my life.
That doesn’t mean that things have been easy since, but I haven’t had a drink in a week, and things were going to head bad if something didn’t happen. I am still terrified, but I have faith in Him that I am walking in His steps and He will guide me and protect my family. It’s just me and my kids in a different state, new people to work with and even looking for an affordable car (ours didn’t make the 10 hour drive), but I am walking with my Father and that’s all that matters. Now to find a good church home. Being in liberal south Florida, I hope to find a nice conservative one.
Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. We could certainly use them, and I am proud to call you brothers and sisters in Christ!