“I respect any man who can heal a heart he didn’t break and raise a child he didn’t make.”
Six years ago, on the same date (July 7), I have changed my citizenship and took an oath to become a Canadian citizen. And it is also the birthday of the man behind the spotlight.
A man who was born into a family that he didn’t choose. He was raised from a place of abuse that shaped him throughout his adulthood. Though his life was a roller coaster, and all of it were living a life of pleasure just to forget the pain of his broken heart. Perhaps, most people don’t understand his actions and the course of his trek, and how he was living. But God sees this man. He knew this man by the time he was conceived in his mother’s womb. And it wasn’t a surprise to Him!
The day I’ve met this man, I knew from the beginning that God has a purpose and plan for this broken man. He doesn’t know that God has a plan for his life. He was living a life as he pleased. But as he lived the way he wanted, he was crying inside to find peace for his entire life. He tried women and alcohol, but the torment has gotten worse every day. One day, God revealed His love for him in a very unusual and throbbing way.
I have seen the grace of God unfolded to this man’s life. Though, he didn’t realize it was all God’s grace that he lived safe and sound. From day one, I have spoken the words that I believed it was from God. I always believe God has a plan for his life. But the process wouldn’t be easy. This man has to carry the burden of his brokenness, and in order for him to heal, those mountains of stubbornness, rebellious, and callous heart must be shattered into pieces. God cannot create a new heart without breaking the old one.
Grateful Heart
And today, I want to park my pen with these words to the man behind the spotlight.
Even though things didn’t go well in the past between us.
I am still grateful to you because you have taught me many things.
I know the Lord allowed us to cross our paths for a reason and purpose.
God broke my heart for you in order for me to learn compassion.
The Lord graciously broke you so I could see His grace through you.
I had many questions about you and about us.
But God answered me through your broken life that many people don’t understand who you really are.
He answered me through your wild moments that merely His grace you were safe and lived.
Jesus’ heart was broken for you just as much as He broke mine for you.
It was you who opened my heart to understand what love means despite being in an ugly situation.
Thank you for everything that you have done for me (and my son).
Thank you for always doing your best for us even though it was (still) hard for you already. Please don’t forget the heart of God’s grace.
Thank you for driving an hour just to cook for me (and my son) when we were sick. And you need to go back to work for another an hour drive.
Thank you for not giving up on us, even if I shooed you away many times.
Thank you for exploring nature (camping, hiking and traveling) with us.
I’ve been praying for you since the day we’ve met. One day, I wrote my prayer on a sticky note (with a specific date) and inserted it in my Bible. After three years, the Lord answered my prayer. You’ve got saved and baptized!
July 2020 Baptism
God’s Promise
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV.
The verse God gave me for you and has spoken out over you. I have seen you wrestling life and just like other Christians who struggle to fight the good fight of faith. The most moving moment of God’s love for a man was to witness his tears during worship pouring out his heart to God. It was deep and heartfelt pain yet a gratitude. The Lord broke you so you can grasp and live what He has promised you.
The day of your turning point in life was cruel, yet it saved your soul. You might wonder and asked many questions why it happened. But it wasn’t a surprise to God. As I have always told you, “God is the final authority, not other people. And not the things that you have done in the past.” And from your past, people judged you for who you are. But God redeemed you. Jesus died for you. Jesus forgives you.
God sent His people into your life when you were still in the Middle East. They planted the seed. You have heard the Word of God in the Bible Study you were attending. Perhaps you did it just to please the person who invited you. But God intended it for you.
Witnessing your transformation is the most surreal, but it’s real. Obviously, there is no magic wand that can change you as much as God changes you every single day. There is one thing that God sees you that people don’t – and that’s your willing heart.
Prayer for You
“Jesus, thank you for saving this man. Thank you, Father God, for your abundance of grace to this man. I saw you Lord in his most painful moment, yet Your grace carried this man to the feet of Jesus. I pray, Father God, that You cover this man with Your righteousness. Protect him from evil. Guard his heart, Lord. I know that Your grace is enough for him even if he is so done with his life. May he receive your heart, Jesus, and live victoriously. Jesus, you are the hope and peace of this man. In Jesus Name.”