Allyson Messed Up, Part 2

Allyson, who struggled with a drug addiction and was involved in an abusive relationship, admitted to God, “I’m messed up and I don’t know what to do.” After her sister gave her the ultimatum to leave her home (where she was living) or attend a camp meeting for ten days, she chose the latter.

On Friday night, a new speaker came to camp meeting. Pastor Doug Batchelor gave his testimony. As he spoke of his growing up years and eventually shared about living in a cave and finding a Bible, Allyson was glued to her chair. Then Pastor Doug said, “God had a plan for my life, and he has a plan for your life too.”

Allyson’s heart was moved as she thought to herself, “Maybe God really does have a plan for my life. Maybe I’m not supposed to be addicted to drugs.” Then and there she made a decision to give her heart to the Lord. “God took away my desire for drugs. It was immediate and it was permanent.”

Allyson broke off her abusive relationship and began attending church. She took Bible studies from a kind elder named Duane, but continued to struggle with cigarettes. After attending a Christian retreat with a friend who also struggled with smoking, the two of them earnestly prayed together for victory and prevailed through God’s power. With joy in her heart, Allyson was baptized and began a new life in Christ.

Sixteen years later, Allyson personally met Pastor Doug at another camp meeting where she shared her story. Hearing his caveman story, going through the Amazing Facts Bible Study Guides, gaining helpful information from the Amazing Facts website (amazingfacts.org) have all been helpful to maintaining her walk with God. She especially treasures her Amazing Facts Prophecy Study Bible with her name engraved on the cover—a special gift from a friend.

Allyson shares, “If God can change my life—a drug addicted, self-absorbed, miserable person—and give me a new life, He can do the same for you.” In addition, she encourages others, “Don’t ever stop praying. You never know what your prayers are going to do. I know I had people who never stopped praying for me. I believe it was those people’s prayers that brought me to

my Savior.”

Reflect: What one person—someone who has not given their life to Christ—has God put on your heart to pray for on a daily basis? Don’t give up praying earnestly for that person!

Key Bible Texts

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16 KJV)