Mitch
I was invited to speak at a correctional facility. Two hundred men, many I knew, dressed in blue prison attire, filtered into the auditorium. A band of prisoners ushered in the Holy Spirit with song. I spoke on love, forgiveness, and the hope we have in Christ. When I finished, the men jumped to their feet, applauding and shouting. I was filled with awe—not at my talk, but at the jubilation of these men who lost everything yet found exceedingly more in Christ alone.
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
A prisoner attended a study of my book. Before the study, he was angry, resentful, and wanted nothing to do with God. Recently, he shared that his attitude toward God changed during our class. He couldn’t understand how I would come in week after week to spend time with them and share my faith. He saw me as an authentic man of God and someone he wanted to emulate. This led him to surrender his life to Christ. I told him this was the most beautiful thing anyone has ever shared with me!
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
I had lost my nephew (13) to a senseless death. This spun me into confusion about God’s purpose, sovereignty, and, honestly, his love. During this darkness, I ran from God, not to him. Years later, I lost my job, which caused me to sit, like Job, in silence. It was in this stillness Christ spoke: “I love you. I miss you.” As He spoke, I was filled with renewed faith and gratefulness. Later, I found my way into a new business, and God has provided for me in amazing ways.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
I was 17 when my girlfriend discovered she was pregnant. In my selfishness, I persuaded her to have an abortion. A year later, I received Christ, but kept this hidden. Over time, Psalm 139 revealed that God knits children together in the womb. I realized how deeply grieved Christ was over my child’s death, leading to full repentance, an apology to that girlfriend, and public confession. Since then, I’ve experienced His complete forgiveness and restoration.
”SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”