He Will Deliver

As often as the enemy has tried to attack me, God has provided a way to either deliver me from the attack or guide me through the attack. The journey of forgiveness has been full of evil schemes overturned by God's mighty power. For many years I have told my wife that someday I would probably want to see my mother again. But for many years, I repeatedly said I was just not ready to take that step. Now I am able to look back on those years and see how God was preparing me for this very moment in time. God is evident through the people He brought into my life and through all the trials and triumphs placed in my path. The Lord was carefully and specifically shaping my heart. Exactly one year ago, I felt God speak louder and clearer than ever before. I stood before the faculty and staff at school and gave my testimony. I spoke about the decision God had placed on my heart. I knew I was ready to move forward. I knew it was time. We completed the paperwork and received all of the necessary approvals to be on the "official" list for visitation. I needed to write my mother and schedule a time for a visit. But I became "busy." I was busy with school, busy with basketball, and busy with the kids' schedules. The holidays arrived. The holidays are always busy. After the holidays, the first three months of the year are very busy and a crucial time in basketball season. I didn't want the distraction. Before I knew it, it was the end of the school year and final exam time. I was way too busy wrapping up the school year. The day of my last exam we left on vacation. Then I had camps and more family traveling. So July arrived and I still had not taken that pivotal step. That was it. My heart was heavy and I realized that God was still standing beside me with outstretched arms and ready to walk with me. I also knew that I had to be willing to ask for help and prayers from anyone and everyone. I remember my wife saying to me, "if you hear God speaking to you, if you know in your heart that you are ready for this, then you can not deny God the opportunity to use you. You can do this." Exodus 23:20 says, "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." Please pray that I remain focused on what God has said He will do for me and pray that the enemy's plans will be halted. No matter what the enemy may try to accomplish, God has already sent His angels to fill the room.

Tags: Gaile Owens