Written by Jim Kretzler
Acts 12:7- “And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.”
God delivers again! It is amazing to read how God delivers people at the most opportune moment.
God worked similarly in my life. Prior to receiving salvation, my life was in shambles. I attempted to fill the emptiness I felt inside with vice but that only left me feeling more desolate. As a young husband and father, I desperately wanted to provide the best opportunities for my family, but was unsuccessful because of sin’s bondage. After years of failing, I had accepted these vices to be part of my life forever.
In 1997, I was blessed to hear the truth of God’s Word at the Church of God. Pastor Karns explained what God was willing to do for me provided I met God’s conditions.
After years of drinking and smoking, I finally heard the true love of God preached by a true called man of God.
John 8: 32 – “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
To be free is the greatest thing you will ever experience in this life!
Dear Friend, it doesn’t matter what vices you have or what you have been through, God is willing to make you a new creature.
However, God leaves this decision up to you. God’s ministry will help lead you into salvation. If you take the first step of admitting your sin, He will abundantly pardon.
I will never forget the day God loosened my chains and made me free! Suddenly, all of the weight I carried in my heart was gone. All of the guilt and sorrow of sin disappeared and I felt like a brand new man!
God’s Holy Word is used as a mirror for mankind to examine their life in. God reveals your reflection in the Word. Once you see yourself the same way God sees you, you must respond accordingly. No amount of sin is too great for God to pardon.
Those things you think you have to live with for the rest of your life will be taken away and you will be free indeed! Whether it is smoking, swearing, drinking, lying, lusting, doping: God has the power to set you free.
Dear reader, do not make it harder than it must be. If you are willing to be honest with God as He is with you, your chains are as good as broken.
