THE BUSINESS OF MIRACLES
My parents called me stubborn. I guess parents sometimes feel obligated to choose their words carefully when describing strong traits of their children. My siblings weren’t that politically correct.
I’ve stood in defiance toward just about everything in my life at one time or another. That included God as well. In a world where the golden rule was more, “He who has the belt makes the rules” ruled the day, so off to church we went. Under duress of course…
How does a person develop a habit or pattern of discipline and perseverance unless made to as a child? Especially in strong willed kids? Just sayin’.
I accepted Christ as my saviour at a very young age. Then again 6,429 times thereafter… (sarcasm). I had fear that could make me doubt what I couldn’t fathom as a kid; the free gift of salvation that had no bearing on my performance as worth or value.
I valued other things… namely myself. My problem was and is the same as most everyone in the world and the reason we live in a fallen state; selfishness. This trait has followed me around like my shadow my whole life, from childhood into adulthood.
The things I set my sights on to accomplish in the way of my profession and business were built on the foundation of pride, selfishness’ twin brother. My life was the epitome of the perfect legalist. I knew the rules, I could speak somewhat intelligently of doctrinal issues. I would quote scripture to support the hammer I was using to win a theological argument.
All the time living like hell… I guess there aren’t much uglier things in life than a person speaking of God, living in contrast to God, and pointing fingers at the world and other Christians.
I went through relationships unfulfilled by my lack of respect for anyone, including myself. I moved at light speed using the exciting things that call to the flesh to drown out the calls of God from within my wild heart.
As much as I hate to admit it, in my ignorance I tempted God. As crazy as it sounds I could feel the hand of God covering his reckless child as I risked my life, the lives of others, and left up to “fate” the consequences for all my actions. I was on a path of insanity, living the same actions over and over, expecting different results.
At the same time, I was struggling in business and was delivered a death blow by the IRS. Some of the things I’d done, while justifying it as survival, had brought me to the end. It was the most devastating thing in my life. That’s what happens when a person’s pride and ego are the core values of who they really are.
I was broken, finished… I lay alone in a one bedroom apartment with worn out filthy carpeting, my face smack in the middle of it as I cried out to God… I was finally broken.
That night changed my life, and it hasn’t been the same since. At the time, I couldn’t think of anything worse that could happen to me. Now I see it was the hand of God that set me there, then picked me up. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. In less than a year, God gave a miracle and delivered me from the mess that I’d created.
God broke the wild beast in me, He then led me to my wife and family. He poured out His blessings on a prodigal son, He’s given me a feast and celebration that I couldn’t fathom in a dark world.
You might say I’m living proof God is still in the business of miracles.
My guess is that you are too…
bill (cycleguy)
Monday, January 9, 2012 @ 3:07 am
I am in bad shape if I stop believing in a God of miracles. He shows me day in and day out that He is. Although not as dramatic as yours, I have a miracle story as well. Thanks for sharing this floyd.
Floyd
Monday, January 9, 2012 @ 6:57 am
Thanks Bill, I knew you too had a story or stories of God’s miracles. Good point as well that everyday is filled with the miracles of God and we usually take them all for granted. I think I’ll try to catch the sunrise this morning.
Effie-Alean Gross
Monday, January 9, 2012 @ 6:45 pm
I can relate to going astray from my Lord and the sadness it caused. Yes, every forgiven believer is a miracle. I’m a miracle of God’s grace, too.
Pastor Jamie spoke on Sunday about the most important thing to leave as our legacy. It’s not money, position, education,or wealth. Our legacy should be one of loving relationships…that’s the way to be remembered.
Isn’t it sad, that we have to go through so much agony before we “agree with God.” Yet, He’s waiting with open arms. I’m glad you ran to Him.
Floyd
Monday, January 9, 2012 @ 7:50 pm
Thanks Effie, I’m not sure I had much choice. It could be that He thumps the hard headed a little harder? Interesting my first manuscript, The Common Threads Of Greatness was about the very thing Jamie spoke about Sunday. I even used the 1 Corinthians 13, verse 13, in my 13th chapter titled “Love.” I really enjoyed the sermon too.
Hazel
Monday, January 9, 2012 @ 7:17 pm
A certain amount of stubbornness is a good thing, because it shows that a person has strong opinions and is not easily moved by the thoughts and ideas of others. The key is “direction:” The right direction. We had a belt in our family too, and it hung in plain view in the kitchen. It was not needed for church because I always wanted to attend church, even when I was a bit ornery and cantankerous. I have been accused of being rebellious, and it is probably true, but that can be a good thing too. Direction again is the key. In business or in the work place there is room for tenacity. Yes, we must resist the wiles of the devil, and hold fast to God’s word. And be ready to FIGHT for what we believe.
Floyd
Monday, January 9, 2012 @ 7:51 pm
Thanks Hazel! I love and appreciate your style! Well said with a ton of wisdom; it is all about direction. I’m making a not of that.
Voni Harris
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 @ 7:47 am
Thank God it’s all about grace, so no man can boast, eh, Floyd?
Nothing more powerful than anyone’s testimony…thanks for sharing.
I’m still laughing at pride and selfishness being twins. How true!
Blessings,
Voni
Floyd
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 @ 12:51 pm
Thanks Voni. I agree, and to be sure, I’m not boasting! To be honest, I really didn’t want to share this one, but felt I was supposed to.
Nancy
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 @ 11:00 am
Coming to the end of ourselves is never pretty. For some, it seems to come easier.
I remember God dealing with me and He spoke to my heart that His version of stubbornness was Steadfastness. He let me know that He was making me steadfast and immovable – always abounding in the things of the Lord. I took Him up on it and haven’t looked back. While I don’t relish all the challenges and inconveniences that come my way, steadfastness gets me through. So glad He never leaves us or forsakes us. His ways are higher than what we’d choose – so glad for precious Holy Spirit and His continual guidance. I am so aware of the daily miracles I receive. las you came around when you did! Good post Floyd!G
What a
Floyd
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 @ 11:53 am
Thanks Nancy. All it takes is a open eyed look around to realize if we know God, we have more than all the treasures of the world.
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 @ 12:06 pm
Floyd, I absolutely love hearing people’s stories of coming to Jesus. They are as powerful as they are individual. He does incredible miracles every single day in desperate and hopeless situations, no matter what they look like. Thanks for sharing this, Floyd. Praise God for His infinite grace and boundless mercy. He continually reaches and lifts up those who humble themselves.
Floyd
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 @ 1:02 pm
Thanks Jason. He indeed does! It just takes some of the slower ones a little longer to find that humility.