A Cruel Monster Becomes a Gentle Servant… Only God!

Posted on by Jennifer Arimborgo

Amazonian Wednesdays 🌴

January 2020

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Another one of Carlos’ fits of rage took over his entire being. He began to beat and to kick his wife. She wept in anguish. His face twisted, he drug her across the room.

He paused, realizing what he was doing. What a wretched slave he had become! What a miserable prisoner to his addictions! He couldn’t control his behavior. He hated the monster he had come to be.

He also knew this: he was dying. He recalls the agony of that time:

“I couldn’t get off drugs. My body was covered in ugly sores. I scavenged through the garbage for scraps of food. I slept in the streets. I viciously attacked people for my own survival. The police were searching for me.”

He came back to the present moment. His wife was struggling in his grasp. In pain, she wailed, “You are going to beg God for forgiveness for what you’re doing to me! You are going to get saved!”

He released her. He stumbled out into the street. In despair, his imprisoned soul shrieked out to God, “I don’t want to hurt her anymore! Please! Do something for me!”

His demons drove him on. He spotted an innocent passerby. His appetite for his drugs screamed in his veins. He assaulted the man. He took his money and ran.

Then the arrest happened. He stood before the magistrate, despicable, pathetic. His head was bowed low in shame. The judge read out loud his lengthy list of crimes. He then announced with disgust the life sentence in prison that awaited.

The officers grabbed his elbows, about to haul him away. Carlos cried out to God once again, “Only You can save me!”

A pause. Something mysterious happened. The judge’s countenance changed. He stared at Carlos. “Let him go,” he growled. He offered no explanation. Carlos felt the officers’ grip on his arms loosen. “Get out of here. Move it,” the judge barked.    

In a dreamlike state, Carlos shuffled quickly off the premises. He found himself alone on the street. He stared around him, amazed. He gazed at his hands, free of handcuffs. God had clearly heard his cries. He truly had saved him.

Soon thereafter, Carlos heard one of our team members evangelizing on the corner. “God wants to deliver you!” Carlos sank to his knees. He surrendered his life to Jesus.

Today, this ex-addict is a new creation. Years have gone by. He has become one of our city’s most passionate pastors. He ministers to the imprisoned and destitute. Freely he received God’s amazing grace. Now freely he gives it away.

 

22 thoughts on “A Cruel Monster Becomes a Gentle Servant… Only God!”

    1. God is awesome Praise HIM for setting this prisoner free. My nephew Peter James K.
      Is fighting alchol….is controlled by it
      And tried to take his life at least
      Twice…please pray for him. His parents love the LORD but he with the wrong kids

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      1. I am praying for Peter James K. right now. Father, we lift Him up to you and in Jesus’ name we ask You to break the chains off of him! Set him free from this addiction by the mighty and precious blood of the Lamb!

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  2. Pingback: A Cruel Monster Becomes a Gentle Servant… Only God! – Mom with a Blog

      1. Peter is not yet free. He did well for about a week but the addiction still has a grip on him. You are so loving and kind to pray for him. I absolutely love your podcasts. Your
        Soothing voice and wisdom help me tradmendously!! I So Thankful God allowed our paths to cross.
        Janet Fehr

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      2. Aw your words again just bless me so much! More than you know. My heart rejoices to know that the podcast is encouraging you. Praying for Peter again right now. Feel free to send me prayer requests at any time. Grace and peace to you, Janet!

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    1. Hallelujah! Praising Him with you forever and ever, my precious Sister Dawn! For He alone is worthy! Thank you for rejoicing with me today in His goodness and His might on our behalf. 🤗 (Catching up on my blog comments now that we finished hosting four summer missions teams in a row!)

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    1. It is truly my joy, Hazel! How I love sharing of the wonders of His works to us. He is unspeakably good, and His mercy endures forever! Thank you for those blessings, I receive them gratefully. So many riches of blessings to you too, my sister.

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  7. The wonder workings of God! Only He can save! 🙌🏽
    This testimony truly blessed me. Thank you so much for sharing & the novel way you share the testimonies is amazing.
    God bless you & your ministry sister.

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