Believing the Promises of God - in His Word

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Without weakening in his faith… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. ~ Romans 4 [selected 18-21]



Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A Transformation and A Love Story

Meet Julio [26] and Lidia [26], his wife. They have been married for 10 years. They have a 7-year old son, Caesar. They are new members at the church in Mexico. Julio asked if he could share his story with me on our last day at the conference.
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A short time ago Julio left his wife and son ["I abandoned them" - were his words to me].
He left Mexico and went to the USA to live with his brother who is a believer in Jesus Christ. He was there for 3 long years where he lived the life of a drug addict, smoked heavily and drank alcohol so much that his brother found him unconscious in the street most nights. Julio learned to speak some English when living in the States. He communicated to me the best he could - that his brother asked him many times to go to church with him.
Over and over Julio said, "No, I don't want any part of your God."
So.... his brother prayed for him.
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One morning Julio woke up after a drunken ordeal and reached for a drink.... but he vomited at the first swallow. He reached for his drugs, again he vomited. Cigarettes had the same affect. He went to his brother and yelled at him, "What have you done?"
His brother replied, "I have prayed for you, that God would make your body REPEL the alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes that have held you captive for so long."
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Instead of anger and rage, Julio said to his brother, "If your God can do this to me, then take me to your church, I want to meet Him." Julio went to church with his brother and there He met the Savior and the Lord of his life, Jesus Christ, for the first time. The preaching that day spoke life into his soul and he was transformed. God removed the scales from his eyes and he was given understanding to the Word. His darkness was turned into light.
He has now dedicated his life to 'ministry' there in Mexico. But he will be discipled fully and watched carefully in order for him to prove his faith to be genuine.
His heart was full the day he shared with me about this.
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On our last evening at the conference, a special celebration dinner was given in our honor [as the preaching/teaching team]. Many of the church members were there as well. I watched Julio and Lidia sitting in the corner holding hands together
and putting there heads together like a young grade school romance.
They were laughing and singing .......
and joyful in the Lord.
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Lidia looks up at her husband as he gives "gifts of love and appreciation" to our group.
God has given her back her life - rebuilt - restored and renewed, just as His Word says!
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Isaiah 61
The Year of the LORD's Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on Me [Christ],
because the LORD has anointed Me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of His splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
[emphasis added]
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Would you commit to praying for Julio, and his wife, Lidia, and son, Caesar, that God would grow their faith and bless their family as they seek to love and serve Him for the rest of their days there in Mexico?
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Choosing JOY, Stephanie

11 comments:

Alleluiabelle said...

My Precious Friend,

What an absolute beautiful testimony of God's power and might, of how when we pray for others HE DOES ANSWER OUR PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION, of how when we turn our lives totally over to Him there is A GREAT TRANSFORMATION that always takes place. I love this story, this testimony and I will absolutely be praying for this young couple, their marriage, their son, their lives together.

This is such an encouraging true story and I am so grateful that you shared it with us. There is ALWAYS HOPE THROUGH HIM no matter what the circumstances may be. How awesome is that?

Thank you dear friend. Thank you.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Stephanie and may God continue to abundantly bless your life every single day.

Love you so much,
Alleluiabelle

Tammy said...

Reading this testimony gives me hope, thank you for sharing.


Happy Thanksgiving,
Tammy

Unknown said...

Praying for them my friend. I will put them on the prayer blog so others can pray as well.

Love you!

LisaShaw said...

GOD IS FAITHFUL!!

I'm praying for them!!! Thanks for sharing this precious couple with us and his powerful testimony.

Love the photos.

Love you.

prashant said...

I love this story, this testimony

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Edie said...

What a beautiful story Stephanie! I have tears in my eyes. I love what God has done in this family. Thank you for sharing.

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

Ok, I just LOVED the comment you left on my blog about what God was showing you today about trees & Isaiah 61. So, I had to run over here to tell you how awesome I thought that was. THEN I read this amazing post, incredible story & you include the Isaiah 61 passage & God spoke to me & confirmed a word I received earlier today through this. I LOVE HOW HE WORKS!!!! God is so good. His word NEVER returns void & always accomplishes His purposes! Thank you for showing me tonight how He so works in our blog sharing. Awesome...
Joyfully,
Wylie

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

I just had to tell you in response to your precious comment on my current post re: listening to your CD with children reading scripture... I get so choked up listening to sweet little voices speak God's word & sing about Him!!!! I always think of how pleasing it is to the Lord & it moves me. Have a blessed Sunday!
Wylie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

The greatest miracle God ever performs is a changed life... Julio is living proof, and yes, I will pray.

peace~elaine

Much4Him said...

Prayers going up!

Crown of Beauty said...

Beautiful testimonies you have on your recent posts, dear Stefanie.

I have just returned after being in Manila for twelve days.

Thank you for your email, I was unable to respond, but I have prayed about what you wrote. And believe that God is honored by your life choices at this point. Your joy is contagious!

I will surely pray for Lidia, because that is also my name! And the testimony of healing and restoration you shared is awesome.

Love
Lidj (Lidia)