Rick, Wow do we have similar life circumstances! ...

2012-01-19T08:26:48.283-05:00

Rick,

Wow do we have similar life circumstances! Your son could have been me, minus the 6'3" 280lbs. I was a nightclub DJ, having strayed far from home, both of my parents and my Savior! They kept praying for me -- for 9 years -- until finally I, by God's grace, repented and trusted Christ.

That is one great story! Thank you for sharing it here. I have been blessed by it.

I am a pastor. My oldest son, Jonathan, was raised...

2012-01-19T08:19:23.673-05:00

I am a pastor. My oldest son, Jonathan, was raised in the Lord. He and I were best friends and he made a profession of faith at a very young age and i baptized him. Sometime in High school he became involved with an unsaved girl. His life unraveled and after graduation he led a life of drugs and debauchery. No one thought he was saved. He was very violent and because of his body building and size (6’3” 280 lbs.) he not only became a bouncer at a club, but he beat up people as well. He was very scary.

We prayed and prayed, and I tried to encourage him in the Lord. After several years of great heartbreak, Jon one day came to his senses. I discipled him for at least two years and his life was transformed. He now has graduated from Liberty University with two masters, and he has led many people to Christ. He witnesses to more people than anyone I have ever known, and because of his great strength he influences many teenagers and college age people. Many call on him to counsel their wayward children.

I share this to tell you this. Jon says he knew he was saved and in a very backslidden condition, and although he never let on, the fact that we were praying for him haunted him relentlessly. And every non-confrontational verse I shared with him in love penetrated his heart, although at the time it made him even more angry. Parents, do not give up and keep praying. It is most difficult since there are no earthly rewards and many times there are no encouraging signs.

And do you know what was the straw that broke the camel’s back and opened his heart to receive the things of God once again? Jon stole $4000.00 from me and got caught. It was at that lowest point where I almost despaired that God spoke to his heart and he submitted himself to my spiritual guidance. As long as your child or loved one’s heart still beats, there is still an opportunity for a miracle. Perhaps someone needed to hear this.

Comments on William W. Birch: But Do You Love Him?

Rick, Wow do we have similar life circumstances! ...

I am a pastor. My oldest son, Jonathan, was raised...