It is so vital to stay in the Word daily and to meditate on Scripture…not just read, but meditate. I’ve been talking to my dad a lot and he’s been keeping me accountable. It is amazing how much freedom one gains when they surrender areas of their life that they do not want anyone to know about. Those secret sins are what keep people in bondage. Even those who are Christians who do not surrender to authority will remain in bondage to sin.
I’ve grown up in ATI and have heard the message spoken about how important it is to surrender to your authorities on several occasions, but refused to let the Lord use it in my life. I thought I could make it through on my own without my parents. I always told myself, “It’s just me and God…just trust in Him.” Satan wanted me to believe I was all alone and that I should not trust the authority of my parents because it would make me look like a horrible sinner, which is exactly what I am anyway. Satan had me believing that I could break the habits on my own. I truly thought I could separate myself from my sin without assistance, yet the whole time I was falling deeper and deeper into more sin.
But I forgot the rest of the puzzle that God commands of us, so no matter what I did or said the sin weighed even more heavily on my soul. The last piece is complete surrender to Godly authority. In Romans 6 Paul said, “What shall we say then, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?” I understood this with my mind, but not in my heart, and therefore could not apply it to my life. But now, in freedom from sin because I am under the authority of my parents, I have the freedom to live in the grace that God provided.
~ Drew
June 2008 Guys Journey



July 11th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Praise God Drew, for the work that He has continued in your life as a result of the Journey. May God bless you with a deeper knowledge and desire for Him. May you continue to walk in the freedom wherewith Christ hath made us free!
Gal. 5:1
July 11th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
What a great testimony of God’s awesome work! I memorized Romans 6 two years ago, and it has been a great chapter to reflect on when I am being tempted! To God be the glory!
July 13th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Amen, Drew! God’s Word is so clear, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” As you continue to honor your parents, I know that God will honor his promise and cause things to go well for you!