Jeremy God Stopped Me, Part 1

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Daily Devotional

Average reading time is about 6 and a half minutes
Amazing Facts Audio Daily Devotional
Jeremy’s marriage was on the rocks ...

Even though he grew up in a Christian home that enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping, these family outings often included alcohol, which frequently led to other substance abuse and family strife.

Unsurprisingly, Jeremy soon began experimenting with cigarettes, chewing tobacco, beer, and even marijuana. When his high school sweetheart caught him smoking pot at school, she gave him a look he’d never forget. She turned her back and walked away. He ran after her, and she gave him an ultimatum. “It’s me or the drugs.”

Jeremy says, “I chose her.” At the young age of twenty, they got married. They eventually had three beautiful kids, but Jeremy could only wish they lived “happily ever after.” Long work hours and a cross-country move led to serious and constant fighting. Even worse, as their relationship deteriorated, he began to wonder if she was cheating on him.

Friends contacted Jeremy, hinting that something was going on with his wife, but he lived in denial. “I tried to stay together with her, mostly for the kids. I started drinking alcohol, but numbing the pain just didn’t work.”

Jeremy eventually discovered that, indeed, his wife was having an affair. “I also knew of God, but I didn’t have a relationship with Him,” he admits. “I didn’t know what to do at this point. I got down on my knees and prayed, asking God to show me what to do.”

Two weeks later, Jeremy arrived home to find a strange man in his living room, watching TV with his wife, while their daughter was playing nearby. Jeremy’s anger and rage welled up inside him as he went to their bedroom, found his rifle, and loaded a shell. He contemplated loading one for himself.

As he left the bedroom with the intent of ending the life of the stranger, he stopped in front of a picture of his children, hanging just outside the bedroom door. He loved the photo of his beautiful kids all dressed up in western-style clothes. He suddenly heard a voice in his head say, “Don’t do this.”

Jeremy fell to his knees, still holding the gun, as he began to sob. He knew his marriage was over. He prayed and asked God to forgive him for what he almost did—attempt to take another man’s life. “God stopped me from ruining my kids’ lives.”

Reflect: Have you ever taken an action that you later regretted? Stay close to Jesus each day and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and behaviors.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13
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