In the late 70s, my life had begun to break apart piece by piece.  I had invited Jesus into my heart as a young boy and loved Him, but by the end of my first year in college, I did not follow Him. Deep within me, I still had a desire to love God, but my rebellion was the stronger desire. I felt like David: “The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path” (Psalm 18:5).

Through a series of events, a major transition, and tragedies I witnessed at my workplace, I was able to acknowledge to myself that I was way off course. I felt a tug on my heart, and it was God’s kindness, drawing me. It was His mercy that I could now begin to see my discouragement and distress. I responded with one small act of turning to Him, and everything began to change.

Jesus came to me in an open vision. He touched my heart, unzipped it, and began washing me with a sponge full of His blood—for what seemed like a long time. I asked Him to forgive me and to align my life back to His will. 

I just read the following verses today and was reminded once again of what God did for me. I relate to David, who said: “But in my distress, I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears…He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters” (vs. 6, 16).

Rather than a deathtrap in my path, God had another plan—a path for me, wide enough for my feet to keep from slipping. (see vs 36). I am eternally grateful for His mercy to me—one of His prodigal sons. The message of mercy is what the world is waiting to hear.