My story today did not come directly from She Speaks. It does, however, carry with it the She Speaks philosophy…everyone has a story that testifies to God’s transforming power.
Many of you know that my brother is a recovered addict. For twenty years, he was absent from our family. Countless times we thought he was dead. According to statics, he should have been.
But God…
The Lord had a plan and calling on my brother’s life. After entering many programs that promised success but failed, my brother finally found the answer. Jesus. It wasn’t until my brother met the Lord that healing and transformation occurred. Suddenly, all things became new!
This is true in anyone’s life. We don’t have the strength, will power, or ability to free ourselves from bondage no matter what the bondage is—drugs, lust, gluttony, pride, anger, or fear. Until we renounce our sickness and surrender to Christ, we will never experience freedom. On the other hand, when we are willing to give King Jesus our mess, He turns it into our message.
What a message of hope my brother has.
He and his family are in town visiting from San Antonio, TX. Last night our families gathered for dinner at Red Lobster. His treat! Twenty-six year old, Tiffany was our waitress. Right away we noticed two things about Tiffany. She was a natural with people, and she was very much pregnant. While we enjoyed her kind service, we had no idea that God would turn the tables and call us to serve her in a very unique way.
It started when my sister refused to allow my brother to buy her dinner. While my sister loves to give to others, she’s not so good on the receiving end. I, on the other hand, understood that it gave my brother great pleasure to pick up the check. Lord knows I didn’t want to deny him his blessing!
Poor Tiffany found herself caught in the middle of the argument. Eager to win, my brother said to our waitress, “You see, I was a drug addict for years. During that time, my sisters did a lot for me. Now, I just want to bless them as they have blessed me.”
Tiffany’s eyes widen. “You were a drug addict?” she inquired. “I would have never gussed.”
“Yes. I was.” My brother replied. “But Jesus changed all that.” From there he told Tiffany his life-transforming story.
“I went from being lost to being found; from being homeless to being a home owner; from being an employee to owning my own business; from being bound by drugs to being free in Christ.”
Can I get an A-men!!!!!
When your story becomes your message, God uses it to transform the lives of others.
Tears filled Tiffany’s eyes as we shared God’s love with her, told her how she could know freedom, and encouraged her to go to church this Sunday. Tiffany told us that wouldn’t be a problem. Those she worked with have been inviting her to go with them for some time now.
Getting up from the table we all hugged our new friend. I promised Tiffany a book. I plan to take it to her tomorrow at work. I think I’ll tuck a gift card from Baby “R” Us inside the front cover…just to bless her day.
Bonita says
What a beautiful testimony on many counts, Micca! Praying for Tiffany and that sweet little life inside her.
Jill says
Great story Micca, thank you for sharing!! We just never know how God is going to work do we??
Kay Martin says
I love your brother as well as you. How glorified that entire restaurant had to be as your brother broke into praise of what Jesus had done in his life.
Thanks for this beautiful story.
Our Lord must be smiling.
B His Girl says
sounds like a God ordered thing Micca. How beautiful what the Lord has done in your brother's life and yours. B
susanj2008 says
You have given me such hope, as I wait for my son's live to be resurrected from the dead. His bondage to drugs etc has torn this mom's heart out, BUT GOD… I will continue to wait on His timing knowing that one day my son Mike will bring Glory to His name just as your brother is.
Thank for sharing
Bonnie Schulte says
Hey, Micca.
You rock! What an Amazing God we serve.
Blessings,
Bonnie
Danielle says
I am in tears over here! What an awesome God we serve!
I love the fact that your family was so open to share their faith… without fear of what other people might think, and now… now a young women's life is being touched!
Praise the Lord!
Deborah says
Micca,
Thank you for this devotion! I'm a mom who has been praying for my son to come back to the Lord. He has chosen drugs for happy feelings instead of Jesus. My heart is broken, but my hope and faith is in our Lord to bring my son back to HIM.
I'm praying for you Susan.
Blessings!
Deborah in Texas