My love for God was non-existent, I was living in secret sin, and I knew that what I was doing was wrong.
I tried as hard as I could to stop sinning but I was attempting to do it in my own strength. My intellect was on the throne of my life. I thought I could fight off the devil by myself.
While I was on the Journey, I heard Paul Washer speak about how being a Christian is not only praying a prayer but living for the Lord and seeking first His Kingdom. That really meant a lot to me. That is when I truly gave my whole life to the Lord and first saw Him working in my life. As a result, I made several vows not to do the things that I was doing while I was in sin. I asked God to take back the ground in my soul that I had surrendered to the devil by believing his lies.
It was after this complete surrender to the Lord that He became real to me and I experienced a filling of His Spirit. Since then the Lord has kept me far from the sins that I used to commit on a regular basis.
On the “day of delighting in the Lord” God’s Word spoke to me: “Seek first My Kingdom, follow My commands, and go and make disciples unto all nations.” During the hour of prayer God revealed more of Himself to me. I was loving it so much that I prayed for two hours and was an hour late for dinner! This was after we had been fasting the whole day.
While we were singing that night as a group, I had the awesome feeling of actually praising God through my singing.
In the past, reading the Bible has been a lot like eating dog food—it was not enjoyable at all! But now, after giving my life to the Lord on the Journey, I love to read the Bible like it is really God’s Word. And I can’t wait to see how the Lord is going to use me. Praise God!
~ Stephen
July 2009 Journey
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August 19th, 2009 at 7:30 am
That’s amazing Stephen! Your story is very similar to mine. Especially after hearing Paul Washer, my life was changed too! Really a total redefining to me of what it means to be a true Christian (follower of Christ) and not just a talker, but rather a walker of my faith (evidenced by good works).
It’s a blessing to see what God has and is doing in you! Keep seeking God for His Will; He will use you mightily. Keep accountable, get honest, and be humble my friend. He gives grace to the humble.
In Christ,
Mark
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I was blessed by being able to go up on this journey with my brother and cook in the kitchen. It was awesome to see my brother change each day of the Journey!
I have been praying for you, Stephen, that you will continue to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength and continue to follow after Him. I have really been blessed by your openness and humility, and I pray that you will never go back to the life you were living before the Journey.
Continue to seek the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS. I am sure that the Lord has a lot in store for you. Will you continue to acknowledge HIM in all of your ways! God bless you!
Your sister, both physically and Spiritually,
Katie Ruth =P
November 8th, 2009 at 12:51 am
[...] did an amazing work in Stephen’s life on a Journey to the Heart this summer. Following is the abridged version of a speech that he has [...]