You Don't Know Me!

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(1 Peter 4:3-5)

"You are not the man I used to know!" Though I do not hear that very much lately, I sense it from even members of my own family. I did hear it a lot when first coming to really know the Lord some twenty years ago.(1993) I am not who God wants me to be just yet, but praise Him that I am NOT the man I used to be! But it is God who has changed me. Oh yes, I was the one who loved to drink just to see how much I could drink. I would use every curse word I could to get a leg up in an discussion. I would fuss and fight with sports officials when coaching and playing. Pornography, coarse joking, lewd comments about women, were the acceptable way of life for me and other guys in my circles. However, God rescued me from that life and He is now rearrnaging my desires and my entire life. It was nothing I have done but to surrender!

My response to those who say I have changed is this: "You are correct. You don't know me anymore! But would you like to get to know the one who does?"

I must admit, as I look back, I too am rather shocked! What God has done . . .! He never promised me a rose garden, but abundant life with Him. (John 10:10) Life has not been butterflies and unicorns as some may think, but struggles, haertaches, and disappointments. Yet these are not from God, but from people! I am learning to depend upon God. When others doubt me . . . even those closest to me, I know in the end, God has me in the palm of His hand. Nothing man can do to me can really harm me. This is comforting. There is no where to hide when one commits to the Lord. We are all exposed. Yet God promises peace to those who walk with Him. Troubles will not last always . . .

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.hilippians 4:6-7)