What can I say to describe the amazing transformation that took place in my life, and that of my wife Jane, just over two years ago. You may already be thinking, is this another testimony of a life redeemed out of the grip of Satan, but actually, that happened over 29 years ago to which I am still so grateful. But the story I would like to share with you today is one that changed my life as supernaturally as the day I walked to the altar to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
As a pastor I was best friend with intimidation and inconsistency.
Remember the day you accepted Christ, what you felt, the tears you cried and overwhelming sense of relief and thankfulness that you didn’t die in your sin before having that incredible opportunity. When I gave my life to Christ I knew that I was called to serve Him beyond the pew. I knew from an experience I had as a child that God was calling me to ministry, and yet as a teen I struggled, as an adult I struggled, and as a pastor I was best friend with intimidation and inconsistency. I preached with passion and pride only to step away from the pulpit with the same feelings of inadequacy.
Over the twenty years in full time ministry we have worked hard to accomplish great things, and to meet the invisible mark that we believed God had drawn for us. We could never find rest in our walk, because surely God will smile upon us when we complete just one more act of faith. Don’t misunderstand. I believe in faith, however, I hadn’t settled that it was His faith working in me and not the faith that I could somehow muster up through all night prayer meetings, a month of fasting, or a break the stronghold over the city campaign.
...that Love melted away those mountains of intimidation and fear.
But, our Jesus is so patient and loving He had an appointment set up for me at just the right time, a time He knew I was tired and at my lowest, and yet when I would receive it the most. Three weeks into April of 2006 I had lunch with Jesus, as He peered through the eyes of Pastor Peter Youngren. It was a lunch I will never forget as long as I am alive. Jesus began to tell me all about myself, my fears, my hurts, my struggles. Did Pastor Peter have a prophetic word? No. He simply began to tell of the incredible Love of Jesus, and as that Love melted away those mountains of intimidation and fear I began, for the first time, to understand what that walk down to the altar 29 years ago really meant for my life.
My wife and I were at a very low point in our lives, we had gone through some troubles with our children as they made the transitions to adulthood themselves. We watched as our three-month premature granddaughter fought for her life, and against all odds watched as a great man of faith and love, T.L. Osborn, prayed for our son and daughter in-law to count her healed, and praise God she was! Three and a half months prior to this incredible lunch date with Pastor Peter, we lost our grandson only four days before our youngest son’s wedding. We were in Florida to attend the wedding. The baby’s father, our middle son, was flying down with his wife to be his brother’s best man, and our oldest son and his wife had the child in their care. It is amazing that when your life seems to be collapsing we immediately think of all the things we should have done, or could have done; when in fact the reality is, life is still in the hands of the life giver Jesus. All my friends of fear and failure were there to meet me that day my grandson died, and yet Jesus had a day, one calendar day, set aside for me to meet him in a city not even my own. On that day still feeling the pain, and very aware of the loss of that little life, Jesus peered through the windows of Pastor Peter Youngren’s eyes and showed me a side of Him and of life I had not yet known, one full of the abundance of grace.
The awareness of Jesus’ presence continues to grow stronger as the abundance of His grace and the gift of His righteousness becomes a very tangible part of our lives.
One of the most amazing realities since that time is how the awareness of Jesus’ presence continues to grow stronger as the abundance of His grace and the gift of His righteousness becomes a very tangible part of our lives. Life has become an experience of living with bated breath…wondering what is Jesus going to next! Yes we have the very real issues of day-to-day life, but it is almost like sitting on the edge of your seat leaning forward with expectation! I can’t ever see us going back to a life of religion when there is so much freedom in Jesus Christ!
Let Jesus reveal to you through this testimony His unfailing love, and unending mercy
Mike & Jane Walker
Pastors of Faith Ministries, Idaho, US
Members of GGN Board of Directors