I will try not to draw this testimony out because I could easily go on and on about everything God has done for me. My hope is that as you read this story you will know that God’s saving power is real and that there is hope no matter how far you have fallen.
I started out a normal kid with a normal family. The only problem I can remember growing up was a dark depression that colored everyday of my life and it seemed that I was always searching for a spiritual connection to fill the hunger inside of me for something more. I met God at a young age and I knew He had a plan for my life, I just didn’t know that I was in for a very bumpy ride.
At the age of 16 I got mixed up with the wrong crowd and they led me down a very dark path. I don’t know what drew me to them except this need for love and acceptance that I never did find at home. It was through these friends that I was introduced to methamphetamine and I very quickly became addicted. For 9 years I battled with meth. It took everything from me. It stole my relationship with my family, my teen years, my friends, my relationship with God and every single good thing in my life was lost to my desire for meth.
I was kicked out of school 3 times and I had my run ins with the law. I was disrespectful and disobedient to my parents and my sister wanted to have nothing to do with me. Everyday I wish I could take back the choices I made, but I can’t and all the time I wasted is something that I had to live with. It hurt alot seeing all of my high school friends move on with their lives, get married and have children and here I am at the age of 25 with nothing. I had no one to blame but myself and I think forgiving myself was the hardest part of my recovery.
At the age of 24 I had enough of my addiction and I started crying out to God for help. He spoke a promise to me that on Passover day of 2009 something would change. He said that He would restore the years that the locust had eaten and He would give me an abundant life. That promise was all I had to hang onto because up to the point I was still living at my parents house with no money, no job, and no hope of getting free from meth.
Of course, God came through on His promise and on April 9th, 2009 (Passover day) I started my first day at a Christian rehab called No Longer Bound. It was at this rehab that I started a 7 year journey of salvation, redemption, and restoration.
During my recovery God healed my mind, my body, and my soul. If any of you know anything about meth, then you know it destroys a person’s mind and body and a short period of time. I needed a lot of healing and God was faithful to restore me in every way. I remember back in 2010 he healed my stomach after a group of guys in the program prayed over me. It was a miraculous healing because I had been having sharp stomach pains on a daily basis for almost a year and after they prayed, I knew I was healed and I haven’t felt the pain since. The most miraculous thing that God did while I was in the program is He restored me to His presence and fellowship, He also gave me peace.
From the day I began my journey at No Longer Bound until today God has completely restored my life and even given me back the years that I lost to addiction. I am 33 years old today and I am the Program Director of a Christian drug and alcohol rehab for teens. I also got married 5 months ago and I am living the life that God promised me 7 years ago when I went into the program at No Longer Bound lost, broken, and desperate for change. Not only am I married, but I am on good terms with my family, and we are able to enjoy each other’s company.
Meth would’ve completely destroyed my life and I would’ve died young; I am convinced of this. God had another plan for me though. I am living my dream today working in ministry and I wake up every day so thankful… so very thankful. There is so much more to my story and the miracles that have happened in my life, but I think it’s best to stick with the short version.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving my life and not only that but giving me the abundant life that I never dreamed possible. Thank you. All I had to do to get out of the mess I was in was surrender my life to God and allow Him to guide me into better days. He will rescue anyone that will just simply cooperate with His leading. His plan is a good plan filled with life and hope. Trust Him, cling to Him, and He will set you free no matter how far you have fallen. Amen
