It is my desire in sharing this testimony that someone will be encouraged, edified, and drawn to the Lord.
My name is Gary B. Mitchell and I am the youngest of 3 children, spaced so far apart that I felt when I was younger I was like an only child. My parents were Chrisitans but never forced me to go to church, instead they encouraged me to read it for myself, and always try and do what was right, and they were living examples of role models for Christ.
My mother was disabled with crippling authritis, which took her mobility, but not her faith. I never heard her complain about her condition, but instead she gave thanks that she was not in pain, and that she had a good husband to take care of her. My father was a devoted husband and strict father, believing in "not sparing the switch" when needed, and with me it was needed a lot! I had to grow up fast, helping mommy out of chairs by the age of 5, cooking for myself, laundry etc. I now realize that her longsuffering and patience had a great deal of influence on me, and always will.
I was baptised at 17, but when I look back, I really didn't have a total understanding of what it really meant. I left home at 18, and began a life seeking worldly pleasures: alcohol, drugs, fornication, materialism, and whatever came along. I always knew that something was missing, that this temporary satisfaction always left me feeling empty.
I found myself many times thinking about how far I had strayed from God, but was so ashamed at the things that I had been and still was involved in that I was unable and felt unworthy to come before God in repentance and prayer, because of how ashamed I was, but God always kept me safe and thru his grace and mercy out of trouble.
At the times I would come back to God, things would seem to fall back in line, and that is when the storms, trials and tests would come. Not being prepared for the things that were happening to me spiritually, I would once again fall back into a life of seeking my own desires and not doing Gods will.
Satan had me bound, not by worldly pleasures, but in my own desire to seek the truth. I became judgmental, in teaching I thought was false, and the lifestyles of others. It was easy to pass judgment on someone else's sin that I was not bound by. In doing so I was missing out on the truth, growth in the word, and doing Satans will.
I finally reached a point in my life that I turned my life over to Jesus. I no longer look for what is wrong, I look for what is right! I had 23 years of running to and from God, and was no longer deceived by Satans trick to keep me bound and lost. I began to placeGod in all things, and I was filled with his peace, love and understanding more and more each day. It was like I had been breathing in a black plastic bag with holes in it all my life, and God had removed the bag!! I could see as well as breathe! I began to see Satan's tricks everywhere, and I am now able to keep from falling prey to his desire to turn me back, or take my eyes off Jesus!
I had tried for many years to change myself, and make myself worthy, but it did not work for me. It took me all those years to learn that only the blood of Jesus makes us worthy! But thru all the things I went thru and experienced, it has given me a greater testimony for his glory! I had to come as I was, humbled and surrendered to Jesus, and trust God, to lead me for what he has for me. If any one believes that he is unworthy, I would suggest that they see the "Passion of the Christ," and rethink their worth. To feel unworthy is just a trick of Satan, and it is saying to Jesus that all that he did was not enough for you! It is hard to comprehend how much love he has for us, but we can choose to accept, it or reject it. I'm so glad I've finally accepted it!!
I learned something that made a big difference to me in understanding of the word. "I take my life to the scriptures, and not the scriptures to my life" Doesn't sound much different but is worlds apart on how you will live you life. This brought the best application of the word of God to my life, and it works! Its not easy, trials, storms, and tests, will come and have to be dealt with, but I now have the understanding that God is bringing me thru something so that I can grow, and there is something waiting on the other side. I look forward to everyday with thanks and praise, knowing that I'm going to learn and grow more!
May God touch you, Bless you, Strengthen you, and Keep you, in Jesus Name!
To God be all the Praise, Worship, and Glory!!! Amen!
Gary B Mitchell
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