Whether one's life begins in a broken down home or a home that seems to have it all together, no one is born a success. In today's society everyone is seeking to climb up the corporate ladder of what they think success is. The sad thing is, many, do not consider whether or not the ladder they climb is even leaning on the right wall, until they reach the top only to find out that they are really at the bottom of their purpose and calling. Such was the case with me. From the doctor declaring "HALLELUJAH IT'S A BOY!" as I entered this world in 1987, onto the early years of attending church services day and night, it seemed I could easily grow accustomed to making the church pew my own bed. I grew up in the local church and my parents, among my other family members from both sides were heavily involved in the work of church ministry. I prided myself in coming from such a home of those who were known, loved and respected in the church, yet I never knew what God had in store for me. I was told I was called by Him, but it didn't mean much to me then, as I was basing my faith off the coattails of my family members' knowledge and walk with God. Some may call it "the preacher's kid syndrome" as having a dad who preached, along with an uncle and grandfather who were ordained ministers, it all seemed to cast a shadow on my life. The older I became, the more I desired to be like everyone else who didn't grow up in a family involved in the ministry. I attended private Christian school most of my life until thirteen years old and yet I knew of some other classmates who seemed to get away with more with their parents than I would. I'd say I grew up in a strict, but not cruel, home. I knew how to behave, but my heart was far from what I acted out. I began to wonder what my life would be like in someone else’s shoes; not realizing that all too soon, my life really would become more like everyone else’s in a way that is far too common today. Have you ever experienced the feeling of the carpet being pulled out from under your feet while getting stabbed in the heart? Well I have. I'll never forget that day, when all my prior thoughts became a reality. It was the day I sat with my dog in my room behind a shut door, crying because my parents were having another argument. Their noise got closer to my room, then suddenly the door flung open and the news of an affair penetrated my ears!!! It may have been the wrong approach to telling your child such horrific news, but really when is there ever a "right" time to tell your child of something that is just not right? "But this doesn't happen to a Christian family!" I thought. But the fact was...IT DID! Well about a week or two after learning of the affair that was taking place, my mother and I relocated to another state where we were surrounded by loved ones as we prayed and believed God for my dad to follow after and together my parents would seek restoration. I should say really my mom did most of the praying and I prayed with her more out of hurt than faith. Yet unforgiven hurt kept me from desiring what I knew was right and caused me to venture off after my own selfish ambition. Throughout my teenage years my journey took me to experimenting with drugs, girls, drinking, shop lifting and down right sinful living. All this was motivated with the desire to "fit in" with the crowd, meanwhile I was looking for love and acceptance in all the wrong places. However my Christian upbringing did not allow me to use the hurt triggered by my dad to become the crutch as to why I was embracing such a riotous choice of life. I knew better! Though I still attended church, I did not allow church to "attend" me. I was living like a hypocrite, but all that was soon about to change. FINALLY the dawn of a new day greeted my life. This unforgettable day triumphed any other and forever changed my life, bringing me from chaos to calling. In early May of 2007, I became sick and tired of being sick and tired of the kind of man I had become. Fighting with my roommate, upset at my professed atheist ex-girlfriend and greatly wrestling with my emotions and purpose I just had to get away and alone from it all! I drove around and parked at the back of a large old abandoned warehouse, purposely leaving my cell phone behind, I went into the place and not long after entering I dropped to my knees and wept bitterly. My mind began racing through thoughts and reasons for my unhappiness until finally a memory came. It was of a time when I was a little boy, I fell asleep on the couch waiting for my dad to come home. Remembering that time I then cried out to God while on my knees saying, "God I just want my dad!" Then suddenly a new sound came into my heart, my heart's door flung open and God began to speak! The Lord said, "Son you can continue in the way of your father and all those you know who have gone in the same way, but if you trust Me, I will be The Father you never had." Immediately as I began wiping my tears, I recalled all I would have to give up in order to fully follow Jesus. Then the Lord provoking said, "Son, you really think you lived on the edge? Follow me and take a real walk on the wild side..." Then I said "Lord I already lost everything, here's my life, this is all I have left ". What felt like twenty minutes wound up being two hours and left me different than when I came into the warehouse turned sanctuary. Now years later and shortly after, relocating to the sweetest place on earth, Hershey Pennsylvania, I became aware that because of others who were praying for my salvation, destiny was what came knocking! Much more can be told of how God came through after receiving Him into my life. I was willing to handle the consequences of my actions, but God's mercy wound up keeping me from jail time and wiped my record clean. He re-established me in the local church, serving under leadership and joined me as a spiritual son to my Pastor. Then four years later The Lord sent me completely around the globe sharing the Gospel of Christ. Also not to mention God putting total forgiveness and love in my heart toward my dad as I ventured down this new path of divine calling. A path that led me to preaching, pastoring and finally marrying the one God reserved for my life and then becoming a father myself! All I can say is only Jesus can make all things new and it starts off by saying YES!! to Jesus Christ. If He can do it for me, He definitely desires to do it for you, if you give yourself COMPLETELY over to Him! No excuses, hands down, He can bring you out of chaos and into your calling! You're just one prayer away from your ticket to divine destiny and assurance of a life found hid in Christ. Don't delay, surrender yourself today! To connect with Justin, read other encouraging posts he has written or see the places The Lord has taken him, please continue to visit and explore this site. If you would like to print this testimony in a 'Tri-fold' Track please click and print either one of the document below.
Eileen Grubb
7/21/2009 02:42:05 pm
Great testimony Justin!
Ana
7/22/2009 11:55:07 am
I know what you mean isn't it awesome when you just give it all to God What a man of God you are and will continue to be all because GOD CAN AMEN AMEN. Love you mucho your sister in Christ forever Amen.
Therisa Amandola
7/23/2009 03:18:14 pm
I am so proud of your decision to not only give your heart to Jesus but to keep it there as well. Your continued walk of faith and the sharing of your testimony will lead millions to Christ and your reward will be in heaven! He is so good and He is so loving! I can relate to much of what you have written and my God has set me free and has kept me free, as well. All praise and glory to Him! Keep up the great work of the Lord, Justin! You are truly a man of integrity and faith. Your blessed and empowered to prosper and you will lack no good thing!! :)
Pastor Don Rimer
1/1/2013 09:34:02 am
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (Luke 7:47 KJV) Great testimony. Grace mercy and peace from God our father and our Lord Jesus Christ
Crissy
1/8/2013 02:53:52 am
Justin, what a truthful, heartfelt, and wonderful testimony! Only a person who truly trusts that their heart is in God's hands, can be to transparent. Others will hear it and know they too, can seek the Lord with their whole heart. Comments are closed.
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