THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME
Several years ago, I was out walking around the lake path near my home. I was seeking a bit of peace and quiet, stepping away from some catastrophic things that had just occurred. As I turned the corner, I saw a couple people I knew walking toward me. I was honestly not in the mood to greet anyone, BUT especially not in the mood to see these particular people. As I knew there was no escape, I continued my walk. I had no idea whether they would say hello or not. Sure enough, they stopped, greeted me, and then asked that all familiar question, “How are you doing, Mark?” Oh man, there was so much I wanted to say, as they were part of the group that had just done such harm to my life. I thought for a second and then said with all my heart, “You know what, you’d have to kill me to keep me from saying, Jesus is the very best thing that ever happened to me. I’ll love and serve him the rest of my life.” I could see from the tears in their eyes, when I said this, it really struck a nerve. I said goodbye and finished my walk.
You see, I owe everything in my life to Jesus Christ. Everything!
Because of Jesus–I didn’t waste the last 51 years of my life.
Because of Jesus–I didn’t pursue my former foolish “rock rebel” lifestyle of sin and stupidity.
Because of Jesus–I have a wonderful, godly woman as my wife and best friend.
Because of Jesus–I discovered my true calling in life and found eternal meaning and purpose for living.
Because of Jesus–I was given gifts and abilities I would not otherwise have for His use.
Because of Jesus–I didn’t become a slave of my passions, greed, and evil desires.
Because of Jesus–I’ve experienced a rich, satisfying marriage.
Because of Jesus–I greatly enjoyed the gift of children and experienced great joy raising them.
Because of Jesus–I discovered and developed the blessing of a disciplined life.
Because of Jesus–I have the gift of prayer and have seen extraordinary answers to my prayers.
Because of Jesus–I’ve experienced the profound love and forgiveness of God, setting my soul and spirit truly free.
Because of Jesus–I experienced peace and confidence where there would’ve been only fear, anxiety, and self-doubt.
Because of Jesus–I experienced hope to go forward in spite of crushing and overwhelming circumstances.
Because of Jesus–I developed mental and emotional stability I never would’ve found without Christ.
Because of Jesus–I escaped the deception and lies of the 60’s and 70’s generation, the same recycled lies of the left being shoved down our throats today.
Because of Jesus–I’ve had wisdom to live, wisdom to make decisions, wisdom to lead my life, my family, and my ministries.
Because of Jesus–I’ve found security in a world full of uncertainty, wickedness, and great evil.
Because of Jesus–I have a wonderful counselor who can handle all my emotional pain, anguish, sorrow, heartaches, and burdens.
Because of Jesus–I have a friend who’s never, ever let me down in any way, shape, or form.
Because of Jesus–I have encouragement in a world full of discouraging things.
Because of Jesus–I have an extraordinary future to look forward to no matter how bleak things are here, or how broken and old my body becomes.
Because of Jesus–I got to spend my life preaching and teaching thousands of people about the wonders of God and His divine truth and plans for their lives.
Because of Jesus–I have my house, my ministry, and the miraculous ways He provided everything for me.
Because of Jesus–I’ve found contentment in the simple things in life and was spared an empty life pursuing materialism and greed.
Because of Jesus–I found real, satisfying life following him and giving my life away in the service of others.
Because of Jesus–I have something worth writing about and singing about.
Because of Jesus–I know the joy of walking with God and a rich relationship with Him.
Because of Jesus–I have you as friends and supporters.
Because of Jesus–I have so much to be thankful for!
Now you know why I close every one of my Thoughts Provoking articles with “Because of Jesus!”
He’s The Very Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me!
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
