GOD'S BEEN GOOD!

As my time at Chillicothe Correctional Center draws to a close, I've been looking back over my time here and reflecting on how I've lived. I asked myself several questions:

Have I served the Lord?
Have I spoken up when He prompted me?
Will I leave here with no regrets?
Have I been a light amidst darkness?
Have I made my days count for Jesus?

These two verses have been on my mind lately:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Romans 1:16
"...Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
I Timothy 1:12
Have I been ashamed of being a Christian?

I have made a lot of mistakes while I've been here. I've struggled having daily devotions. I've compared myself to other inmates and thought myself better. I've had little patience with some inmates who might have just needed my attention. I've been quick to judge others, and I could go on. I am so thankful I serve a merciful God who loves me unconditionally and forgives me when I confess my sins.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I John 1:9

While I've struggled to live the Christian life, the greatest lessons I've learned is how real God is and what He promises He fulfills. He has been with me every moment of every day. I've seen and felt His protection over and over again. He has provided all my needs. He has comforted me in my darkest moments. God has become so real to me through my deepest heartache. If I have done anything for Christ, it is only because God has enabled me to do so.

I want to close with a song that puts to music how I feel right now. This song was sung at my wedding, and it is even more true today.

God's Been Good

Lately I've been looking back along the winding road
To the old familiar markers of the mercies I have known
I know it may sound simple but it's more than a cliché
There's no better way to tell you than to say

Chorus
God's been good in my life
I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night
And though I've had my share of hard times
I wouldn't change them if I could
'Cause through it all God's been good

Times replay and I can see I've cried some bitter tears
But I felt His arms around me as I faced my greatest fears
I've had more gains than losses and I've known more joy than hurt
As His grace poured down upon me undeserved.

For God has been my Father, my Savior, and my friend
His love was my beginning and His love will be my end
I could spend forever trying to tell you every thing He is
But the best way I can say it is this