The Beauty of Spiritual Awakening...

C.S. Lewis famously likened the battle between flesh and the Holy Spirit to a beautiful dance.

When I reflect on my testimony, my journey, the wildfire began in early 2023, but the sparks that ignited it were flying in 2022. I'd say it all truly commenced at the Easter service when I heard that day's message. It elevated my confidence in the gospel, prompting a desire to delve deeper. Until then, I had questioned the entire Bible's validity and Jesus' significance. Was he merely another influential teacher around whom a movement formed? The age-old question of who created God lingered, hindering my belief. Though I attended church regularly and listened to podcasts daily, my spiritual life remained stagnant—void of growth. I was ensnared in my old ways, succumbing to every temptation. My marriage and family were in disarray, and I felt increasingly despondent.

I distinctly remember being called a fool during a sermon on Proverbs, which cautioned against ignoring danger. While I disliked the label, it resonated with me. Shortly after, a sermon on temptation struck a chord, emphasizing how every generation faces the same trials, yet God always provides a way out—if we seek it. This simple revelation shifted my perspective, unveiling the blindness that had obscured my sight. All those times I had been tempted, a fleeting opportunity for escape had presented itself, but I had ignored it.

At the end of 2022, my drinking reached an all-time high, and everything around me seemed to be crumbling. One night, many beers deep, I contemplated the fragility of life and recognized my lack of self-control. Determined to turn my life around, I embarked on the 75 Hard program, committing to sobriety and spiritual growth. Unlike previous attempts, I focused on reading Christian literature and the Bible. Several weeks into the year, a tragic accident shook me to my core. Though I felt compelled to intervene, I hesitated, haunted by the realization that my inaction had dire consequences. It was a wake-up call—an epiphany that I needed to listen to God's prompting and stop seeking validation from others.

However, the wildfire didn't spread immediately. A major argument with my wife led us to read "The Purpose Driven Life" together. Simultaneously, a disagreement with my daughter regarding her future plans revealed my own shortcomings. As I challenged her to research her choices, I realized I hadn't done the same for my eternal destination. The revelation prompted me to journal and seek spiritual clarity like never before.

C.S. Lewis famously likened the battle between flesh and the Holy Spirit to a beautiful dance. This metaphor became vivid for me, yet in my interpretation, it's a machete-wielding spirit slashing away at the lies planted by the enemy. Day by day, knowledge flows freely, illuminating my mind like a Christmas tree. Networks form, previously unconnected, as my clarity grows. Though my eyes may be failing me, I perceive things unnoticed before, discerning beyond the surface. Despite my flesh hurling thoughts and temptations in a fleeting attempt to regain control—fighting, clawing, sparing nothing—the Spirit continues its dance. An old phonograph plays in the background; God's Word winds up the player as the Spirit persists. Yet, as the day progresses, the record gradually loses momentum. This decline does not escape the notice of the opposition. Should the record stop, all that follows is the enemy's activity, planting new lies where the Spirit's work has been done. The longer the record remains still, the more the flesh undoes the Spirit's work. Therefore, it is vital that I consume God's Word like a starving baby does milk. Daily action, extending grace to others, becomes imperative. I desire to glorify God through good works—not out of obligation, but as an expression of gratitude. For I cannot fathom the depth of His gracious love: to rescue me from certain death, to sacrifice His Son's life to spare mine—something beyond my comprehension.

My ultimate goal is to keep that record spinning as fast as possible until the needle breaks and God takes me home.

If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, ashamed or broken in any way, God offers everyone a gift like none other. You can find out how to accept this gift using this link from one of my favorite pastors, Dr. Tony Evans. If you've already accepted this gift and feel stagnant in your faith journey, I'd encourage you to consider journaling and reading the Bible every morning. I would also recommend "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, if you haven't read it.

Wherever you're at in life, know that God has you here for a reason. You are unique, there's no carbon copy, you are priceless in God's eyes, and the more you lean on Him the more you'll see Him working in your life.

I hope you found this helpful and encouraging.

Until next time. God bless...