I grew up in a Christian family and you probably know what I mean. You go to church on Sunday, sometimes you have a middle of the week service, and don’t forget the Bible studies also. But then things began to change. I lost my mother when I was still a child, I lost my grandparents in my teens, and my father in my 30’s. I was brought up that the family was very important and so was God. I never talked to anyone about how I felt through the years as I was growing up. I thought my answers were correct and I was not going to forgive God for taking everything that I loved away from me. So my life went to what some people call the dark side. I started partying. I drank, did drugs, and even was a drug dealer at one time. The drugs went away but the alcohol didn’t. I drank and smoked cigs for almost 30 years. I knew there was a God but I could never forgive Him for the things that He had done. At least that was my thinking.

My wife took me to hear a man speak one Friday night. Listening to him brought back some memories good and bad. But his message made me come back again and again. After awhile I forgave God and begged for His forgiveness. I found that I was wrong and I wanted to come home to His grace. I know my family is in heaven and sometimes as I see the world today, I know they are in the better place. I still struggle everyday to do the right thing. Correcting my thoughts from what was, to what God’s mission is for me. Little by little He guides me to my next step and shows me what I need to know. That is one thing nice about God, that He knows our limits. And He knows through my faith that I will be able to do more and more for Him.

My testimony is not for people to feel sorry for what I have lost but to rejoice for what I have gained. It took lots of faith for me to believe in Him again. It took a lot of faith to say I’m sorry and I was wrong. It takes a lot of faith to fight the trials that we go through everyday. It took a lot of faith for me to pray to Him again and ask for things that I needed. I know my faith is growing stronger everyday with Him. I want people to know that the pain and heartache do go away. God sent His son to cleanse us, release us, and to wash away any sins that we have done. Don’t let your loses take you down the wrong path. I promise you that God has all the answers.

On a final note, I heard a song one time and I think for me the message is true.

“God only cries for the living because it’s the living that are so far from home.”

To my family

I love you and I’m glad you made it home.

See you soon

Craig Johnson

Administrator

The Way Ministries