If someone had told me three years ago that in the near future I would be going on a mission trip to Peru with Blackhawk church I would’ve laughed and rolled my eyes. At that point my life was a mess. I had just gone through a divorce and was suffering through a myriad of personal and financial challenges.
I was continually searching for hope and relief from the emotional emptiness and pain I was feeling. I had arrived at a point where I didn’t like myself anymore and I was so disappointed with the life I led and continued to lead. My life at that point was a story of one bad decision after another fueled by my selfishness.
A good friend was aware of my struggles and suggested I look into attending a DivorceCare class that was being offered at Blackhawk church. I wasn’t excited about attending a class at a church. I had not been to church in over 20 years and I considered myself a “nonbeliever”. This is when God started to work through me, even though I didn’t realize it at the time.
A couple of weeks into the DivorceCare class, I was already starting to feel much better about myself and my life. I finally had hope and a fellowship that supported me. I started attending services around that same time, and I was blown away (in a good way) by the people and services at Blackhawk.
I had attended church when I was much younger, however I never felt a connection to God. I went to Sunday school and Sunday services, and was even confirmed, however I never fully grasped the story of God provided to us in the Bible. I also didn't see or understand how it related to me and my life at that time. At Blackhawk I heard the story of the Gospel in a way that really made sense to me and it changed my life.
God led me to Blackhawk Church, and rescued me. I am now happy and proud to call myself a Christ follower. He has shown his grace to me and I am so thankful. One of the happiest days in my life came in April of this year when I was baptized and accepted Christ as my lord and savior.
My journey has sometimes been a painful and unhappy one, however today I am grateful for all the blessings He has given me; including the opportunity to participate in this mission trip to Peru.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!
Sweet! Scott, this is awesome. I'm excited to hear more as we travel together. Dayna
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your story Scott.
ReplyDeleteThe verse from Isaiah 51 came to mind after reading your post...beauty for ashes. Made me remember the song by Crystal Lewis titled the same. Here are some of the lyrics:
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings wholeness and healing
God knows your need, just believe what He said
When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings wholeness and healing
God knows your need just believe what He said
I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see