A Changed Life

I recently read a really good book and wanted to share it with you. My uncle had told me about the author who was a friend of his. He sent the book to me and it was amazing how God used it in my life.

After reading the book, I had the opportunity to talk with the author. He asked me to mention the book to my blog followers. The name of the book is The Lost Secret and the author is Rick Suarez. You can visit his website at http://www.lostsecret.org/

The book is illustrated beautifully and is not like any other book I have read. It is also in a study guide form. Rick shares his life honestly and openly. And it is an amazing story. Jesus became the focus of His life and is using him to reach many people with the message of the cross.

The book covers every area in the Christian's journey. One of the chapters is about idols. And the Lord used the book to reveal the idols in my life.

Thinking I knew myself pretty well and knowing how God has healed my heart and changed my life, my prideful self thought this should be easy. It went like this:

"Lord, do I have any idols in my life?"

The answer came quickly, "Yes."

Mmmm...I had to really think about it. Do I really want to see the idols in my life? I have known the Lord long enough to know that when he is ready to work in your life, don't put it off. No matter how painful it seems, there is always victory on the other side. I knew I didn't want to miss out on what he has for me.

So, I worked up enough courage and said, "Okay, Lord, please show me what is an idol in my life".

He said, "Your family".

I quickly responded and said, "No, it's not". Pretty bold of me to argue with God, huh. I was so defensive!

He answered me with silence. He just waited...he didn't condemn me or shame me...he just waited.

I felt His presence so strongly and I was so humbled. I know that He is God and he knows me perfectly.

I then saw a picture in my mind. In my mind, I saw the cross. And then the idols in my life were lined up like wooden "game pieces".

The first one was my husband and then my kids, and then my parents, and then my siblings and then their children and my in-laws and their children...all of them...lined up. At the end of the line was me. I have a fairly large family, so this was a pretty long line.

How could I argue with God?

But I did, I said, "But Lord, I love them and I care about them and I want them to know you".

I was the first to get saved in my family, and have felt responsible for them. I want to be a good witness and I don't want them to miss out on what God has for each one of them. I want that more than anything!

Oh, so there's the key, I want that MORE than anything. I guess that is the definition of an idol, isn't it?

The Lord answered me and said, "Then let me be their God and stop playing God in their lives." I was so humbled. I didn't argue with God. I was speechless.

I sat quietly for a moment. I said, "Lord, I'm so sorry. I don't want anything between you and me."

And as quickly as I finished that prayer, the "game pieces" fell like dominoes. I was instantly at the foot of the cross, with nothing between me and Jesus!

The weight was taken off of my shoulders. The weight that I chose to carry. Jesus never asked me to carry that burden. Oh, he is so much better at being God than I am. I am free to set them free...and let Him be God!

So, check out the book. I am pretty sure God has a message for you somewhere in it too. And tell Rick I sent you...www.lostsecret.org.

A life changed by God is a blessed life! Be blessed!