I once battled depression and anxiety for over 10 years. There were many challenges that came with those symptoms, such as alcohol and thoughts of suicide. I have sat across from doctors for more hours than I can count. I have had three admissions to a psychiatric hospital. I swallowed thousands of prescription pills and drank countless bottles of beer. All this in effort to take away the pain of post traumatic stress disorder.
My friend of 30+ years had visited me on two occasions that I recall in particular, once at my house and once in the psychiatric hospital. The visit at my house ended with him asking if he could pray for me. I obliged but laughed it off.
God had a plan for me on July 18,2009, the same friend invited me to a church outreach bbq. I was like "woo bbq! I will bring the beer!" But my friend explained that beer would not be a great idea for this particular bbq. Keep in mind that I am also a vegan/vegetarian so I was not impressed at all, but I said "Well, I can't bring beer and I'm a vegetarian but I'll still go to your bbq".
Again I tell you, God had a plan for me. As soon as I stepped foot on the property at the bbq, I felt nothing but love. It was an arms wide open feeling that I had not felt in a long time. As the evening went on, I was drawn more and more to these strangers who treated me like they knew me from birth. As time passed they shared stories of how Christ changed their lives. At that moment, I was thinking to myself "This is what I need. This is what's missing." At the end of the night my new friend, Pastor Gary, asked me if I wanted to accept Jesus into my life. I told him I was not quite ready to make that decision. However, when I walked out of there, I left with a new joy that I have not experienced in the past. That joy is what I now know as Jesus Christ.
Again, I tell you that God had a plan for me. The following night, I took a ride out to my father in laws resting place. I gave my heart to the Lord and broke down sobbing and crying, releasing all the pain and agony that had built up over the years.
The following day, I went to a new church. One that I never set foot in or heard of before. That Church was Living Hope Christian Assembly in Hamilton, ON. At the end of the service, I responded to the altar call and publicly accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.
Since that day, great things are happening in my life. I am overcoming obstacles and advancing in His kingdom. I have had a prophetic word on my life that I am standing on. God has made great promises to my life and my family that I am faithfully holding Him to. Without Jesus in my life, I have not a clue where I would be. But with Jesus there is nothing I can't do.
Again I tell you God had a plan for me. And God has a plan for you, despite what your going through. May God Richly Bless You!
My Testimony - Stephen Malgo Amazing Salvation Ministries
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