With the Love the Three Mighty Men of King David Had
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14503 |
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December 11, 2011 |
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Brother Seungcheol Song (Junior at Yongin University)
I have experienced the living God and realized the love of the Lord since I was very young. I had seen my sister, who had been dying due to heart disease, gain a new life and my grandmother also was amazingly revived through Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee's prayer. My aunt was burned on her face, but she received healing in a short period of time. Her skin became cleaner than before. All of these things added spiritual faith to me.
Although I felt the existence of the living God through the power of the shepherd
One day when I was a second grader, I rushed carelessly into the street without paying attention and I was hit by a car. I was knocked up into the air and landed on the ground. People on the spot wanted to take me to the hospital, but I insisted that I would not go to a hospital and I wanted to be healed by the prayer of Senior Pastor Lee. In the end, I received healing through his prayer.
This incident allowed for me to have the faith that I don't have to such scary hospitals if I stayed beside the Senior Pastor Lee. I also made up my mind to live for the church and Senior Pastor Lee since God saved me when I was about to die. My parents were very pleased with my decision.
Out of my curiosity I befriended the world
I reached puberty when I became a middle school student. The curiosity about the worldly things was developing and I was getting more and more involved in them. I preferred hanging around with friends instead of participating in church activities and studying. I even drank alcohol, smoked, and grouped up with friends motorcycling.
I have been good at many sports since I was young. I was strong such that I became a gang leader in my school and even in my area. There was nothing I was afraid of. I felt as though I was in a deep swamp and I couldn't change the pattern my life was taking at all.
I thought to myself, 'I must not live like this' while listening to the messages in services, but I forgot it as soon as I left the church. I had seen countless signs, wonders, and powerful works. I couldn't understand myself. I couldn't understand why I befriended the world as I did even when I saw a member of my family standing on the doorstep of death. I felt disheartened and hung around with friends more since I felt like something was missing in my life.
And yet I participated in meetings and summer retreats filled with grace. I waited confidently believing and hoping that there was some chance for me to change. On all such occasions, God helped me repent by pouring down grace upon me. As time passed, however, I went back to the worldly pleasure. Disappointment overwhelmed me as I repeated the cycle over and over again. I even thought I would end up in Hell if I continued to live like that. I felt like an illegitimate child.
I made a resolution by the love of the Lord before I joined the Marine Corps
I became intent on changing myself after entering Yongin University and began to study Security Service. In the meantime, I was about to join the Marine Corps. Then, a thought came to me. 'I might die in the military if I enlist without changing.' Since I had lived in untruth, I feared that God wouldn't protect me. I thought I might have a serious accident. Once I thought of death, I realized that my family and friends couldn't help me. No one could help me.
With faint hope I came before Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee and talked about my past life. He said, "How could you be on the way to Hell listening to the Word of God? How hard your life must have been!" And he urged me not to befriend the world again and prayed for me earnestly. I felt his great love and made up my mind to run the race of faith with joy, thanks, and faith even if there would be difficulties.
In August, 2007, I finally joined the Marines. I was born again through the life in the military. I had received a lot of grace, so I humbled myself all the time in any circumstances and marched the race of faith with joy and thanks. I also set a goal to become a worker for God's kingdom and began to study.
In fact, I previously had no interest in studying. But I studied hard with faith that I can do all things through the Lord who strengthens me. God demolished my arrogance and let me feel true happiness and peace in the lowest position.
I will give all my youth and life only to the Lord
From July, 2009 when I was discharged from the Marines, I led a true Christian life. Of course, I realized and learned many things in the military, but I knew that I was lacking prayer and the Word of God to circumcise my heart. I started to fight against my inner-self. I clung to God with vowed prayer and fasting when I discovered sinful natures in my heart. I had no time to lose heart since I thought I had to make greater efforts than others.
I believed that Father God would let me change and reward me, not that God would judge my wrongdoings. Then, I could cast away evil things that I hadn't been able to get rid of, one by one. As the love of Lord filled me up, I came to have hope for New Jerusalem. I even got a good score in school and received a scholarship for student academic excellence.
I am still praying to become like David's three mighty men and live for the Lord, my church, and the shepherd. I give all thanks and glory to Father God and the Lord. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Senior Pastor Dr. Lee who has taught me the true duties of men and helped me live a truly valuable life through the Word of God.
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