Want to be impressed with what God can do with a man? Take a meth-addicted alcoholic and mix in Jesus. Out comes a miracle—a new man.
This week I finished reading two autobiographies: Save Me from Myself by Brian “Head” Welch, formerly of the heavy-metal band Korn, and The Unusual Suspect by actor Stephen Baldwin.
Both men had lived lives of wealth and pleasure. Both had adoring fans and unlimited delights at their fingertips. But both discovered that self-focus brings no lasting satisfaction, despite its alluring promise to do so.
Their paths to Jesus were crooked and started at different points. Brian came from the clichéd rock-bottom. The life of a heavy-metal rock star is filled with excess. He was hooked on meth, heavy with alcohol, embedded with anger and depression. But that began to change because of a casual e-mail that mentioned “rest” (Matthew 11:28-30). A normal business associate living a quiet ordinary Christian life had opened a door for Brian, and God took over from there.
Stephen’s path, on the other hand, did not start from the bottom. On the surface, all was well in his life. But when his wife fell in love with Jesus because of the influence of a South American housekeeper, her own transformation piqued his interest until he had to have some for himself. Watching her pray on her knees for a year by their bed had made a big impression. In her quiet way, she had set an example that was irresistible.
The common denominator between these two men now is their passionate love for Jesus. Not just a cerebral knowledge that Jesus is God’s Son—but a sold-out, full-blown zeal to let the Lord have His way with them. Wherever that leads. And so far, it’s leading to some out-of-the-norm places.
I’m encouraged, and challenged, by the faith of the newbies. If God can turn over new leaves for the rich movie star and the top-of-the-heap rock star, what will He think of next...for me and for you?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
