You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had
your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him,
giving him trouble every chance you got.
But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross
actually dying for you, Christ brought you to God's side
and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence.
Colossians 1:21 – 23
Are You A World Changer?
It was my son's cell number that brought me to this meaningful passage in God's word. After his arrest, with wrists reddened by tightened handcuffs and ankles chained together, he shuffled to Cell 121.
That was his home—his identity—for nearly a year.
On the other side of the bars and bulletproof glass, my mama's heart tried to make sense of the pain.
Believing there are no kwinky-dinks when God is involved, I knew 121 was a significant number.
I went to God's word for answers. The Holy Spirit led me to Colossians 1:21
The next three verses filled my heart with hope. It described my son's life having turned his back on God. I understood God knew his heart better than me. The verse became God's promise to me. I believed through Jesus Christ, my son would be brought to God's side and all that seemed lost would be restored.
While in jail, my son did come to God's side. He did a 180 and turned towards God. Five years later, my son is known by a new number—The 180 Zone. He directs hundreds of volunteers who help the hopeless and broken put their lives back together.
This past Saturday night, my son stood on stage with recording artist Matthew West. The singer/songwriter describes my son as a 'world changer.' His newly released cd, Into The Light, includes the song We Are The Broken inspired by my son's real life experience. West calls the song an anthem—a victory song.
You too, have a victory song. It was not written with pen and ink but by the blood of Jesus Christ. By believing he died in your place, you become a world changer because God is The World Changer.
Are you on God's side?
What is the name your victory song?
How is God using you to be a world changer?
What an inspiring story--gives me the weepy glees whenever I hear it! I'm sorry you had to go through such pain, my friend. But I know you'd say it was all worth it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and powerful testimony - how God used a number meaning something negative - and exploded it into hope!
ReplyDeleteI love God - and I love the creativity He gives to take something bad and make something good out of it.
thanks for sharing!