I dropped Katie off at the Freshman campus this morning and it has become a habit of mine to turn on the radio to 88.5 and listen to whatever sermon is playing. I have heard so many “snippets” from sermons but God uses them every time to encourage and often convict me. Today was no different. When I turned it on, the pastor was reading James 5:19,20 which says, “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” I’ve heard that so many times over the years and usually I think of my brother who is a prodigal. Even these past 15 months as I’ve heard those verses and now also think of Greg, I usually say, “thank you Lord for bringing him home!”

Well, today God gave me a picture of the first people He used to bring Greg’s secret sin out into the light. Of course it wasn’t a literal picture because I have no idea what they look like. I was overcome with gratitude that they didn’t keep the information secret in order to protect their own loved one also involved. I pray God used them to also bring their own family member back to God. The fact that I could pray that is in itself a miracle because in the beginning I really wanted to go and seriously hurt, curse and at times I felt like I wanted to kill those involved in the “other life” I knew nothing about. I hated them and all they had done to add to my pain. I had to give all the anger I had toward the other people to God and leave it with Him. I believe when we truly do that, He gives us compassion for those who have hurt us.

In our case, God used strangers to bring the information to people we know. Then those loved ones confronted Greg. I hope that makes sense. Those of us who knew Greg so well just had no idea about his secret struggle with sin. I still praise God Greg was ready to turn from his sin and walk the path God wants for him. I’m blown away daily by this new man walking with integrity. I praise God for His work!

Maybe one day I’ll be able to thank in person those God used to expose Greg. That one act was the beginning and was instrumental in saving our marriage! God knows how grateful I am and I’ll just leave that with Him!

So, if you know of anyone who has wandered away, take the risk and go after them! They may not be ready and may continue in their sin but what have you really lost if you are obedient to God’s leading? When you do go after them, and they want to “come home” don’t leave them to figure it out on their own! God is enough, yes, but He wants to use His body! Praise God for the body of Christ!

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