The Truth as I know It

Stede · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2004

As you are my sailing brothers and sisters, I have to tell you something. I have no choice in this matter, so please forgive me if I offend you.

I am a sailor,and have been since I was a child playing in a creek with toy boats.The last 5 years have been very difficult for me since my wife was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.My sister-in-law was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor 6 months ago.

I accepted Christ as my personal savior when I was 12 years of age. Since that time, I''ve gone down the wrong paths more times than I can count.I''ve always tried to straddle the fence between what I knew was wrong,compared to what I knew was right.I''ve been the lowest of the lowest.There is virtually no sin that I haven''t committed, or numerous times. Even so, I prospered.That is, until the last 5 years.

I''ve had so many things taken away from me in the last 5 years, it''s mind boggling.At one time,I sailed some of the best places in the world,had a water front house at my favorite lake, and one in the mountains. I did what ever suited me at the time. Like a spoiled child when their toys are taken away,I became angry! I blamed God.I pushed even harder to do things that pleased me,and justified my actions by thinking I was "owed" them for all I had been put through.

My wife is a miraculous person. Even though she suffers severe motion sickness, she sailed every where with me up until the time she became sick. Usually, she would be stretched out in the cockpit sick, but without complaint. She has always been a religious person, while I tried unsucessfully to convince her that there were grey areas.Since she was diagnosed with cancer and was told she had about 3 months, to a year to live, I''ve seen several friends tell her how sorry they were for her.Some of those have since died, and my wife is still here 5 years later.Since my sister-in-law was diagnosed with the brain tumor, her health has declined rapidly. She can no longer talk, or walk. Prior to this happening, she had already given her life over to the Lord, and accepted what ever was to be his will in her life.

All these things have weighed heavy on my mind, and would grant me no peace. Recently,I turned to a NIV Bible that was given to me by my wife, seeking answers.Each day before reading a few chapters in it, I have prayed this prayer." My Father in Heaven. I come to you as a sinner seeking wisdom through your word.Please forgive me of my sins, and speak to me through your word so that I may understand."

Through that simple prayer, and my earnest attempt to find the truth, he has blessed me.Things are so different now. I am at peace with myself,and know that my life is finally on the correct path.

I implore you to try this in you own life.Don''t wait until everything is crumbling down around you. No one knows when they will be stepping off into eternity. Try reading his word for a few minutes each day, using the simple prayer that I did,or one similar. You will be amazed at the power. If I''m wrong about this thing, you will only have lost a few hours of your time. If I''m right, you will have gained everything. Fair winds to you!

Turk123 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-08-2004

He knocked, I''m glad you decieded to open the door. Welcome brother

Turk

flicker · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2004

We''ll be sure and remember you and your family in our prayers. I''m glad you said what you did.

Chas

Stede · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2004

Turk,and Chas,

Thanks for your comments.

DuaneIsing · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2004

Stede,

Seems you really have had a rough path in life. So glad you found the strength you need.

Regards,

Duane

Stede · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2004

Duane,

Thanks for your comments as well.Yes, I''ve had kind of a rough path in life, but it has been a good one.Some of my accomplishments I''m proud of, and others, well let''s just say I''m glad there is such a thing as the "statute of limitations." I was a star athelete in school,excelled in everything I applied myself to,had success in business and family life,sailed many a good adventure,and have had more material possesions than what I deserved. Through it all,I knew I was missing something.I believed in God, but there were things that I wouldn''t let go of in order to serve him.Everything was about "me" rather than him.Now,I''ve finally given my all to him, by choice, and am truly the happiest I''ve ever been.I think my life''s path has been an unusal one.God lifts up the lowest of the lowest that seek him, and uses them to show whom he is,his power,love,and mercy.That is why I believe I was convicted to deliver my story to you, my fellow sailors.

Now, with that said, I will say no more on this matter.This is a sailing board, and I apologize for my interruption.Thanks to all for your tolerance,and understanding. Sail on my brothers and sisters :^)

tybeefolk · #7 (**permalink**) 01-09-2004

thanks, a lot of us needed to read your post......

dderanek · #8 (**permalink**) 01-11-2004

witout getting into it, very similar story results about the same. "I was lost now I am found"
Inner peace is a wonderful thing. Be strong and I will include me in my prayers

john232 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-11-2004

Christ already paid the penalty for your sins of today, yesterday, and tomorrow. Now go and thank HIM by doing the right thing and sharing like you have just done and may God be with you and your Wife and Family eternally.. Amen

c172guy · #10 (**permalink**) 01-11-2004

It''s an old story. When I was young handsome and lusting for life I didn''t have time for god. Now looking at the grave I want God to save me.
Even our born again leader snorted cocain until he found god. My mom''s pastor a truely devout man had a horrible death from cancer. God apparently doesn''t consider suffering here on earth a problem.
The last thing my 16 year old nephew did in his life was repeat the lord''s prayer before he died of cancer.
I''m in a quandry!!!! If you judge a tree by the fruit it bears...god is a barren tree or worse. just look at the palestinian praying daily. Then you are told by Christ himself that for those who believe no proof is needed for those who won''t beleve no proof is enough. Since we are all supposed to be worshipping the same god. Who should I believe?? The Jews, christians or Muslims. The answer is obvious if you are a jew ,a christian or a muslim. But what do you do if you just want to believe in a loving god??? Actually I wish I''d been raised an aetheist so that I wouldn''t worry about such things. A Chinese friend is amused by us god believers. It would be truely hilarious if the jews christians and muslims killed each other to be replaced by non believers!!!!
Actually i''d rather talk about sailing!!!!!