“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
Every believer’s story—mine included—is a story of God’s mercy, providence, grace, love, and peace.
At 48, I was a husband, father, business owner, and elder at a mega church. For years, to mask my insecurities, I created a persona of a godly man. But below the surface I was controlling, deceitful, prideful, and selfish. During a season of unimaginable trials, God ordained that my charade would crumble, and I was arrested for committing a crime that hurt many people.
Alone in my cell, I tried to end my life. That night, with a contrite heart, I cried out to God. The next day a chaplain visited me, prayed with me, and gave me a Bible. There on my bunk, I could only hold that Bible to my chest and weep. Later I began reading God’s Word for the first time.
I found myself consumed by it. All I ever needed has been revealed to me there! Now as a disciple of Jesus Christ, who I am in Him is of utmost importance. God’s perfect peace is found in Emmanuel. It’s not found in the absence of life’s great trials, but in the surplus of His great love.
At 48, I was a husband, father, business owner, and elder at a mega church. For years, to mask my insecurities, I created a persona of a godly man. But below the surface I was controlling, deceitful, prideful, and selfish. During a season of unimaginable trials, God ordained that my charade would crumble, and I was arrested for committing a crime that hurt many people.
Alone in my cell, I tried to end my life. That night, with a contrite heart, I cried out to God. The next day a chaplain visited me, prayed with me, and gave me a Bible. There on my bunk, I could only hold that Bible to my chest and weep. Later I began reading God’s Word for the first time.
I found myself consumed by it. All I ever needed has been revealed to me there! Now as a disciple of Jesus Christ, who I am in Him is of utmost importance. God’s perfect peace is found in Emmanuel. It’s not found in the absence of life’s great trials, but in the surplus of His great love.
Scripture Focus
1 Peter 1:3-9
Insight
Written by Larry H., California State Prison, Corcoran, CA. Please pray that Larry will always remember how greatly loved and valued he is by his heavenly Father.
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 21-22
- Psalm 57
- Luke 21