Peter is a Christian brother I have known since 2016. Our relationship is close and respectful. During that time, Peter appeared to be “as happy as Larry.” However, below the surface ugly things were brewing. When they eventually bubbled to the surface, Peter’s life and happiness hung in the balance. He now felt alone, fearful, and helpless. Everything good in his life was on the line… about to be taken away.
 
It was in desperation that Peter contacted me and made me aware of his situation. Without hesitation I counselled him to invite God to manage his dilemma. To his credit, Peter did just that and I was not surprised to learn that the Lord came immediately to his rescue. Listen to what Peter has to say…
 
This is my testimony which I give in love and gratitude to God for what He has done for me. Before I accepted Christ into my heart, my life was very different to say the least. I was self-centred, worried what people thought of me, and making money was my motivation. I was also double-minded.
 
I operated my own business for about 20 years and was completely self-driven. However, I was not pleasing myself – just other people. I did not handle stress very well and inside I was nervous and trying to hold it all together while putting on a pretence that everything was going fine. People were fooled because they said how well I was handling things.
 
Encountering the Lord was a slow process. I believed there was a higher authority but relied on myself to ” make IT happen.”  I went for years thinking that I was a nice person. I had Christian values. I was a hard worker; but then in another part of my life, I was deceitful and full of lies. I thought I could have both lives – a foot in two camps. This is when things started to unravel.
 
One camp was me being a “good Christian”; going to church; persuading and encouraging others to come to Christ.  The other camp was where I tried to fit in with my work colleagues by swearing and drinking, but still trying to bring them to Christ. In fact, I was dragged down into a world of pornography and heavy drinking.
 
This in turn led to marital problems which brought my wife and me close to divorce. I felt I could not tell my wife that I had these addictive problems.  I tried to cover it up by more drinking and lying. Pornography portrays itself as reality, but it led me to commit something that I am deeply ashamed of. I inappropriately touched my stepdaughter on her chest and I realised that this was wrong, and then I left the room. That was 30 years ago, and I have lived with this shame and guilt ever since. I tried to make it up to my stepdaughter and I believed she had forgiven me, but sadly that was not the case.
 
I went through the Court system and lost my job, my wife and family. I then suffered a meltdown. I became suicidal and thought that life was not worth living. I was planning how to carry this out and wondered at the same time if God would mind? Would He see this as sin?  This is where God came to my rescue. I needed the help that only He could give. Finding my identity in Christ was a moment of truth for me as I underwent a “Freedom in Christ” program by Neil Anderson. I also read a book called “The Bondage Breaker” and I realised that I did not want to die–I wanted to live. I gave up alcohol two years ago and have not thought about or looked at pornography since.
 
I gave my life fully to God, and with the help and guidance from my church family, as well as the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I began to believe that God wanted a real relationship with me. He also showed me that I am His child and He has a better life for me.  
 
God teaches us in His word to take every thought captive and to make decisions based on His wisdom. Satan has no power against the word of God, so it is important to fill our minds with God’s truth. This truth shows us that His grace, forgiveness and mercy is enough. After I repented of my sins, I asked the Spirit of Jesus to come into my life and now I talk to Him about everything – every day.
 
I need to show the fruit of the Spirt – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – and I can now live with these Christ-like characteristics because the Spirit lives and rules within me.
 
My life has changed so much now as I try to live the way Jesus would have me live. It is wonderful and truly liberating. My wife and I can finally talk in freedom about everything. PRAISE GOD! I believe that repenting of my sin has been the key to allowing God to move in my life (Jn.8:11). Peter.
 
Friends, Peter was morally and spiritually bankrupt–he was rapidly descending in a dark, bottomless pit with no way out. Through surrender and confession, Peter cried out to God, petitioning Him for help. God did not disappoint Peter! In fact, Peter can hardly believe how quickly God came to his rescue and for the amazing transformation of his life that has already taken place.
 
Peter is now at peace in mind, body and spirit, and is celebrating freedom! 
 
Bill
(Alina is our youngest Guest Author–a voice for God through dancing-on-water.com)