When the Roads of Life Lead You Away from Christ

Success is a gift. When we find that sweet spot of passion and gifting, it’s exhilarating. But success can be toxic, too. It can lead us down paths we never meant to take. Ones that lead far away from the One who calls us His. The one who calls us chosen and worthy.

Today I am thrilled to bring you a first, not only to #ChosenandWorthy, but to Searching for Moments! That first is a post written by a man for whom I have much respect. Horace Williams Jr. is a man of strength, of courage, and of prayer. His story gives us hope and reminds us how important it is to remember our identity comes in knowing Whose we are rather than in what we’ve accomplished.

We so often dismiss identity issues as something with which only women struggle. But, friends, that’s not the truth. A man’s struggle with identity may look a little different, but at the core of the issue, we are the same. In order to live fully free with victory and purpose, we need to see ourselves as more than simply a sum of our experiences and accomplishments.

Chosen

Do you remember what it felt like to be chosen for something? Or even worse to not be chosen? When I think back to my childhood, it is where I started my journey on the road to Damascus. Although, I did not know it at the time this road would transform my life forever.

I was a pretty good athlete as a youngster, running faster and jumping higher than most of my friends. I remember a burning desire to play football, so my parents enrolled me in pee-wee. The overwhelming excitement every Saturday morning as I jumped into my uniform was exhilarating, as were the kudos from coaches and teammates. The congratulations of proud parents on the way home after a game was the cherry on top. It was my first taste of success, and being a “star,” and it was intoxicating!

In junior high, I remember we would pick teams to play touch football or kickball each morning before the school bell rang. I was usually a captain. I still remember the hopeful faces of classmates and friends. There was a sadness in their eyes as they hoped to not be the last one standing.

Being chosen makes you feel wanted or needed, however you must listen when your name is called.

Now back to what I shared earlier and how intoxicated I became with success at a young age. I was ecstatic when my father attached a basketball goal over our garage. I would practice for hours on end until it became too dark to see. My mother would look out and turn on the porch light while giving me 10 more minutes. All those solo practices paid off. In the 8th grade, I was chosen for the varsity basketball team.

When you travel along on any road, there are warning signs.

The signs are there to help, give you direction, and provide safety. Yield. One way. Detour. Stop. They are all signs we see on the road. In life, you may encounter signs that affect you without even realizing it. There is a warning sign I received from my mother at a young age that I carried in my mind for most of my adult life.

I had begun to enjoy my success in athletics, and it started to go to my head. The popularity and the adulation had my head up in the clouds. Then it happened…I brought home a below average report card from school.

I had always been an A and B student but those Cs on my card were a shock to my mother. They stood for “Coming to Jesus.” My mother looked me in the eye and said this, “Just getting by isn’t enough. You are a black person living in a white man’s world. You must be better, because if things are even, you may not receive the opportunities!”

Even at a young age that shook me to my core.

It was no longer about getting ice cream on the way home after a good game. This was about my life. I did not want to “struggle” as my parents did. I had to be better. Although I wish I could tell you it was at this point I hunkered down and began seeking Christ with my whole heart, it was not the case.

I gave up playing the piano when forced to choose between playing sports and my part-time job. Practicing basketball harder and longer allowed me the enjoyment of the rewards of my success. I won several trophies and MVP awards, and I was dating the head cheerleader in school. Two knee injuries brought about the painful realization that I would never play sports in college or professionally.

The sad part at the time is I was ignoring Jesus Christ in my life. I was raised by Christian parents, attended church every Sunday, we prayed as a family every night, and yet I still was not comprehending the reality of why God had chosen me to be a child of His. I remember working two jobs to save enough money to move out of my parent’s’ house. The same “eye of the tiger” mentality I had as an athlete, now refocused in my professional life.

It was not long before I had become an extremely successful sales and marketing professional in my mid twenties. I was winning top performer awards, and earning all-expense paid trips to exotic locations. In my mind I had become better, but where was God in all this?

I was ignoring the warning signs along the Damascus road.

I continued to push God aside and focus on the temporal. Money became my focus. I wanted to earn six figures, assuming that would take care of all my needs and wants.

Unless the Lord builds this house, they labor in vain who build it…It is vain for you to rise up early and retire late. To eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in their sleep. -Psalm 127:1-2

Without realizing it, I had begun to enslave myself to my ambition.

I wanted more! More success, more achievements, prestige and recognition. However, my body and soul began showing the toll of the incessant pressure I placed upon it.

Restless nights of anxiety and worry, unhealthy eating habits, and most importantly – no time for God. My bible was collecting dust under my bed, and I never really gave it much thought. Something my youngest sister said to me many years ago at the height of my success continues to resonate with me now, “We really appreciate the financial gifts, but we would much rather see you.” Another warning sign I ignored at the time.

Seven months after reaching my goal of earning six figures, I was on my way to another stellar year. I was on track to be the top producing marketer for the 2nd year in a row after finishing runner-up two years prior. Making millions of dollars for my company, I received a promotion as Regional Director of Marketing and given my own marketing team.

Then, there was the tragic warning sign.

On July 1st, 2010, I suffered a massive stroke in the office just after lunch. I won’t go into the details of the fears I faced, but you can read about it in my award winning book, Unleash the Power of Prayer in your Life.

Lying there in the hospital with no one cheering for me or handing me an award, God was there.

He was not lashing out at me or condemning me. He spoke to me in the quietness of those lonely hospital nights. God reminded me that I was a child of His and that He has chosen me for His purpose.

You did not choose me, but I have chosen you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain… -John 15:16

God has not blessed you with gifts and talents to serve yourself. His desire is for you to live for Him. You don’t have to live in fear about not having enough or worry about being better. He has a bigger purpose and plan for your life.

Just as He chose us before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will. –Ephesians 1:4-5

So as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, and, patience. -Colossians 3:12

You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone or do anything to show yourself worthy when you know who you are in Christ.

Because of the love of Jesus, you have been chosen . You are an integral part of His family. He wants you to live your life in His reflection so that He is glorified and people are drawn to Christ. His love is unconditional and everlasting.

Instead of focusing on being better, make it your priority in life to be an imitator of Christ. He has chosen you. You are worthy of His love. Live your life to serve Him, and maybe you can avoid some of the pitfalls on the Damascus Road.

Giveaway!!!

I am thrilled to tell you that Horace is offering a signed copy of his award-winning book, Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life, as a gift to one reader here this week! All you have to do to participate is leave your comment mentioning Horace’s book in the comment section below. We would also love it if you would share how you personally struggle with the roads of life leading you away from Christ. What are your pitfalls?

Horace Williams Jr. is a stroke survivor and born-again Christian who loves Jesus Christ. He has seen the power of prayer and God’s healing in his own life as he continues to recover from a massive stroke that paralyzed his left side 7 years ago. You can get a copy of his award-winning book, Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life, here He also writes at Pleasing to the Potter. He writes to inspire, encourage, and remind Christians of God’s transforming power and love.

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