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You saved my life!

Several weeks ago I was called to visit with someone who I knew was having a hard time with drugs and with having a desire to even live. Two weeks before they had attempted suicide.

I arrived to a scene I wasn't expecting and wasn't ready for.

The gentleman that greeted me at the door was naked. He had just finished doing cocaine and was very agitated. He knew who I was and invited me in.

As we walked into the house I saw the blood. It was all over his hands. And as he led me into the kitchen it was all over the floor leading into the washroom. I can only describe the washroom as a scene out of some movie.

He had just done Cocaine, was hallucinating, and was very agitated, as I mentioned. And I? I had no clue what I was supposed to do. So, I just kept as calm as I could. While also trying to get him to calm down.

Here's what I can say thinking back. God was there! Even though initially I was scared out of my head, not knowing what could happen, very soon I was at complete peace. That peace allowed me to talk him down and to try and help him to see some reasons he had for living as well as some ways that he could get some help.

Since then we've been in the process of doing just that. He is scheduled to go somewhere for six months and get some real help. Meanwhile several men from the church have also built a relationship with him and for the first time in his life, this gentleman feels like he's got a reason to live.

He's been coming to church now and is beginning to rebuild his life. He's given his life over to God and really wants God to lead. Today, as we were out for coffee he said, "Ed I really want this old man to die and be buried. I want a new man to come out. A good man."

We talked at length about what Jesus could do in him and through someone like him if he remained surrendered, if he got help, and if he was willing to remain in relationship with people who would help him on this relationship that he's began with God.

As he dropped me off, he said words that I really didn't know how to hear. He looked at me after we prayed and said, "You saved my life." Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think I did any such thing. I can't think of anything I did that could even remotely be rendered that way. I was just there for him when he needed me to be. More than anything I just pray that this is a story where God really takes control and does his thing! And right now, this moment, I have faith he really will.

It's funny, God's giving me a special kind of love for people like this gentleman. And it's not just about people on drugs. But the people who get to the pig pen and begin to realize that their heavenly father's house is so much better.

So why write this at all, build my ego? Not quite. Although I'm not giving you his name I need you, if you remember, to pray for my friend. For strength for this period before he goes in for real help. For the period he's away, and then for his return into society. Specifically, he needs good friends. Fortunately God's already put some good people in his life. But some good Christian friends who will be some good mentors. Also, for day to day victory over the things that would pull him back to where he was. For a good relationship with his daughters. Most of all, pray that God would really take a hold of his life and completely turn him around toward God and all that God desires for him.

For someone who made a life out of being rough and tough. And developing a relationship as a bad guy. This guy has a heart of gold. I would love to see all that God could do in and through him

I guess, I, for his sake and for God's glory would love to see a new life to such an incredible degree that it would be a testimony of what God can do in our midst.

Very excited about what God is doing!!!

Posted by ed