LOST IN SIN - FOUND IN LOVE

(By: Michael Garcia)

Bars! I was in a county jail in Michigan on possession of cocaine charges. I was facing prison? I was only eighteen and my life was in complete chaos. I had nowhere to turn. I wish I had listened to my grandmother and my mother (Acts 16:1).

I was born in Toledo, Ohio, and grew up in a family with five brothers and one sister. I didn't have a male role model until I went to live with my father at the age of thirteen. My grandmother would often ask me to attend church with her, which I did occasionally. However, I never really knew Jesus Christ, and got very little from religion. 

One day two men asked whether I would go to heaven if I were to die that day. Having never thought of that question before, I listened as they started to tell me about Jesus Christ. After awhile they asked me if I would like to invite Jesus into my life. Without even understanding what that meant, I told them yes. 

Having always done what I wanted and not listening to anybody, I was soon back on the 'fast track life'. I was my own boss and preferred it that way. I knew the money I needed was in drugs. I just liked what the cash could buy: clothes, drink, girls, etc., to support my lifestyle. I enjoyed having fun and liked being somebody (1 John 2:16). 

Knowing the action was across the state line, I entered Michigan carefree and with the recklessness of a youth on the move. When lights flashed behind me, I felt a twinge of fear which was to turn into horror before the night was over. 

I was arrested and placed in a holding cell in a strange city where I knew nobody. I made my call home just knowing they would be able to get me out of this place and this mess. It was not to be. I had finally gone to far! 

While in the county jail, the reality that I was going to prison for years struck me hard. All the other times spent in jail or homes had not made a change in Mike, but the thought of prison was a nightmare come true. 

Not knowing or understanding why, I started to pray (Romans 8:26). This became an every night occurrence, and even often during the daylight hours. Somehow I knew my help was to found beyond this world. 

One day while I was sitting in my cell, an officer came to the door and asked if anybody wanted to go to church. I volunteered. In the service, I felt better about myself than I had in a long time. After the service, a man asked me if he could pray with me. I said yes! While praying, I invited Jesus into my life and this time I accepted Him with all my heart. I sensed a cleansing throughout my body and a peace that I had never before known. I went back to the cell with joy and a hope for my life. 

A few weeks later I was sentenced to a prison term of four to ten years for possession of drugs, and sent to Michigan Reformatory in Ionia. Another strange place but I knew it was further away from my family in Ohio. If it had not been for the love of Jesus Christ and His strength, I would never have made it those first few weeks. I knew I was a new man and welcomed the challenge which I now faced (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

Over the past three and a half years, I have learned it is hard to live this Christian life, but I have strength in Jesus Christ. Every day, I die a little more to self (Galatians 2:20).  Following Jesus and doing God's will is difficult because I am constantly under siege. However, I am learning that Jesus is always with me (Joshua 1:5).  My struggles are not unlike any others my brothers endure (I Corinthians 10:13).  I still make wrong decisions but I am learning my Lord's voice and I seek forgiveness right away (1 John 1:9).  The battles in my mind which were often defeats, are becoming victories as I bring them into obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Putting on the whole armor of God equips me for the day's trials (Ephesians 6:12).  At times I have felt that God would give up on me when I have fallen, but He is always there when I turn to Him (Hebrews 13:5). I cannot allow the past to rule my mind (Romans 12:2).  Old habits are giving way under God's loving chastening as He molds me into the likeness of His Son. 

Often disobeying my Lord Jesus and not being the light He saved me to be, I surrendered my life totally to Him in October of 2001. Since then God has shown me there is a better life as long as I heed the Holy Spirit's leading (Romans 8:28).  Jesus will be with me always, but most certainly as I keep the faith, believe in Him, and always be honest with my thoughts. 

I still make mistakes, but life is worth living since Jesus became my personal Savior. I know He has plans for me in here as well as when I return to the real world (Jeremiah 29:11).  I know one day I'll go home to be with my Lord in heaven. Until then, I only desire to serve Jesus and complete the race set before me (Philippians 1:6).  I know I want to live my life for Christ so I can see the wondrous things He has prepared for eternity. 

I now tell others of Jesus Christ and His love for them. I know what that love can do in a life and want others to have the same. My advice to others is to get their lives right with God while there is still time (2 Corinthians 6:2).  Jesus died, was buried, and rose to set you free. All you have to do is open your heart when He knocks. You will experience joy, happiness, peace, and gain eternal life with God. May God bless your life as He has blessed mine. Praise God forever!

PLEASE HELP US HELP YOU SHARE THE BEST NEWS GOD HAS FOR EVERY PERSON BECAUSE...

JESUS DID IT! and...

YOU ARE SO GREATLY NEEDED!

Remember: All that we do in this life comes back to our God-given purpose which is to serve and glorify God. The money and assets we accumulate, the fame and power we've attained or seek to attain - all of the things of this nature will one day pass away, but those lives of others we impact for Jesus Christ will last for eternity, and we will be rewarded for the part we helped play by impacting those lives ... for eternity. (Matthew 6:19-21 is our assurance)