The path from hell to heaven on earth
By David Plunkett
Part 4 of 4, Removing the “God box”.
Every semester I was on the President’s list
I now had a 10-year sentence that I had violated probation on, as well as facing life on the new case. I had been to court several times over the past 2 years, and they would not budge on a life sentence. Almost a year after graduation from the Center, my judge put them together and I signed a 15 and apply. (A fifteen year sentence with the right to apply for probation) They lifted my bond and with my parents’ home in the clear, the devil tempted me to run. I chose to trust that God would be with me even if I went to prison. I stayed to face the music. Two months after that, I was given a total of 3 years probation, which is now long gone, and I have applied for a full pardon. There was no denying God’s hand in every step that took place.
I had been working construction for the same man since I joined the Center. For almost 3 years after I graduated, I went back every weekday to pick up my crew of students. I loved working with people in recovery and, with my record, I was happy to have a job. I thought that was my path. But God had bigger plans. With some encouragement and help from special people God put in my path, I enrolled in Gadsden State. It took me forever to take my placement test because I was afraid I had “shot out” my brain. I guess God wanted to make a point because not only did I test well out of all the remedial classes, but I finished a 2 year degree in 5 semesters. And every semester I was on the President’s List.
I started my own air conditioning company.
Did I also mention that I got paid to go? This 3 time Class A felon qualified for a full scholarship from the state – which paid for ALL my books and tuition – as well as Pell Grants which were paid to me to cover cost of living expenses! When God told me to quit my job because it conflicted with schooling, I was scared at first. But He provided me with more than enough side work to cover the rest. When God gets ready to grow you, you better hang on! I realized the box I had put God in was way too small. I took my Alabama Board of HVAC exam and passed on the first try. I started my own air conditioning company which has grown more successful every year. My Dad works with me, and together we share our story with countless customers needing encouragement.
I dated a couple of women in those years, but they were paths I chose – not THE PATH God had for me. Thankfully God helped me become a man that could walk away from those choices with a clear conscience. My need for sexual “completion” had been broken and I was ready to wait for the ONE God had for me. No sooner than I decided to stop looking, He provided.
You remember that beautiful blonde I met 4 years back? Well God put us back together. I can tell you that the right relationship, with the right person, where you both put God first, has given us a marriage that I never even knew could exist! We talk about the really hard stuff and help each other heal from our past. We rarely argue, but when we do, we come out closer to God and each other!
I didn’t realize how much peace that would bring me!
Now guys, we like the verse that tells our wives to submit, but it also says to love our wives just as Christ loved the church and gave up His life for her. Sometimes that love looks like listening to something you don’t want to hear. When Haley, my wife, started pressing me on the truth about my ex and my children, I didn’t want to hear it! That woman had taken my children, taken my parental rights, left the state, and had her new husband adopt my children!
Now I know you think step work is over in the first year. But my biggest amends took place 9 years into my recovery when I mailed an apology letter to my ex-wife, taking all the blame on myself. I admitted the things I had done and thanked her and her husband for taking care of our children.
When God gives you the person that is right for you, be prepared for them to be Gods voice of direction in your life. I truly couldn’t realize how much peace writing that letter would bring me! After taking ownership of my part and truly forgiving her, we mailed a large check – it was returned unopened. That’s in God’s hands now, and so are my children. And now I can be thankful that my children were not subjected to any more of my destruction and never had to see just how bad it got!
The only path that works is total abstinence.
Did I mention that Haley has a son the same age as my son and a daughter the same age as my daughter? I guess God’s got it all figured out. I pray for my children every day, but I now have the opportunity to be a “Bonus Dad” as Haley’s daughter calls me. And I love it! When our relationship was starting out, she would push me as hard as she could to try and get me to blow up. She even admitted she wanted to see if she could make me mad. The old me would have gone all the way off on her! But with God’s help, and my willingness to examine my flaws, neither her nor Haley have ever seen that part of me! It’s dead! She thinks I am the most patient man on the planet! Now that is a testimony all by itself!
I learned the hard way that the only path to recovery that works, is a path of total abstinence – guided by Jesus Christ! I tried to go back and find a path of moderation, but it never worked! And trust me, I tried them ALL! Even once I was free from the chemicals, I battled with porn. There was a men’s conference at my church. I confessed my struggle to a friend, and we prayed until I got my freedom. I’ve been totally free from porn for over 7 years now. I have learned to follow the Bible’s instruction and take thoughts captive. I have 11 years clean from drugs and alcohol, and I still know better than to go into a bad situation without accountability. I remain vigilant in monitoring my eye gate, as well as my ear gate. The wrong song can just as easily put me in the mindset to use as being in the room with the drugs themselves.
We are still best friends!
Some people view my life as legalistic, but I have identified my triggers, dealt with my reservations, and I NEVER have to go back that way again! Most importantly, I listen to that still small voice that guides me EVERY DAY! You would be amazed at just how many seemingly insignificant things God wants to be a part of – if only we will listen. He led us to our church, Life Worship Center in Anniston, where many of us are in recovery, and we never feel an ounce of judgement. Pastors Jonathan and April took us in and put us right to work. Serving in a church, where our leaders walk even louder than they talk, is not only a blessing, but a vital part of our “Recovery Family” that helps keep us clean.
Haley and I have been married for just over 5 years now and we are still best friends. We bought our first house together last December and 1 year later we haven’t missed a payment!
God has blessed us in so many ways! And I want each of you to know that what God has done in my life, He can and will do in yours, if you CHOOSE to let Him. Gal 6:9 says, “do not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing IF WE DON’T QUIT.” So DON’T!!
Elite Force
Now you remember the elite training I mentioned in the beginning? Well instead of us seeing ourselves as defeated broken people where God manages to salvage the pieces, let’s see ourselves as God’s elite team – the people who fought life’s toughest battles and survived! There are none more equipped than we are to go into the darkest places this world has to offer and let the Light of Jesus shine for all the world to see! WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS AND WITH GOD’S HELP, WE HAVE PROVEN IT!!
GUARD RAIL: Do not give up on doing what is right. God is bigger than you think!
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9 (NLT)