Interview - God took my mess and turned it into His Masterpiece

Here is the link to the interview: Scott Smith (left) and GW Tolley (right) 

https://youtu.be/zUsoNMK-NI0

 

God took my mess and turned it into His Masterpiece

   As a child, I was always dragged to church. I vowed when I was older that I would never go to church again. I did not go for 20 years. I was the very angry, drunk, and mean Prodigal Son.

The storm of my life had begun, and I did not know until it was too late. The unstoppable chain of events started with identity theft in June 2009. This led to my home being foreclosed on Christmas Eve and later padlocked. God said, “my house was built on the sand.”

Excessive partying with fair-weather friends led me down a lot of bad roads. My house of sand collapsed and 98% of my possessions were donated to a charity. I was homeless and then laid off. Out of desperation, I placed an ad on Craigslist for a place to live. I ended up living with a family of nine.

Some nights I had no food. I would microwave water to fill my stomach so that it had something warm in it so I could go to seep. I ate oatmeal for two years and finally, I dropped my pride and went to a food bank. What is ironic is that I volunteer at a food bank. I was too prideful and ashamed, and they quickly said, “Raise Your Head UP!” They shared they started as a client and now volunteered, no shame here!

The most overwhelming challenge was losing my Mom. She died four times, and on two occasions she was gone for over 30 minutes but came back to life! There is power in prayer and miracles happen every day.

A major turning point in my life was when I fell asleep while driving and I was headed into a transformer pole and a man called and woke me up and he said, “God had told me that you were in danger and to call you. Your divine life purpose is much needed in the world. I have to stay on the phone with you until you’re parked.” I had to change my “Whys” into “I Trust You.”

I had to stop whining and being a Jeremiah. I had to stop saying “please take away these burdens.” Instead, I had to pray for faith, broader shoulders, strength, and seeing others as God’s children and not judging. I also had to learn to forgive. Giving situations to God, I started watching my words. A few words of kindness can change a person’s day or life. This process was all about learning to be Christ-like, selfless, and having unshakeable faith, hope, and love. Listening to God and being obedient.

God has given me the strength and the courage to take one step at a time. Through this 10- year process He made a way, on His time, and His special way.

My trials have become my testimonies and giving God all the praise and glory. My life has been restored and blessed and God made His Masterpiece out of my mess.

People have said, “We see that GW found Jesus.”

However, the truth is Jesus found me!

Everyday I thank Him for pursuing me.

I was that one lost sheep.

Lost and Found!

Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15: 1-7

 Yeshua did this for me, He can and will do it for you, just ask Him.

 

Let’s Chat for a Minute

Let me ask you a question. A very important question, if you should die today, are you 100% certain that you are going to heaven?

If you should die today, and stand before God, and He asked you why He should let you in His heaven, what would you say?

Did you know that you can be 100% certain you are going to Heaven? You know you can know and here is how. In 1 John 5:13, the Bible says, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life...” and here’s how you can know.

In Romans 3:10 the Bible says, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one,” and in verse 23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” That means I’m a sinner and that means you are a sinner, also. Most people do not realize the seriousness of sin. God is holy and sin separates a sinner from God.

This verse shows how serious it is! In Romans 5:12 the Bible says, “wherefore, as by one-man sin entered into the world and death by sin; and so, death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.” The word “death” doesn’t mean dying and going to the grave; it means separation from God. Until our sins are forgiven, we are separated from God on this earth and will be separated from God forever and ever in a place called Hell. This is the punishment for our sin.

But the story doesn’t end here! In Romans 6:23 the Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The words “Eternal Life” mean more than living forever. The words “Eternal Life”, in the Bible, mean to live forever in Heaven.

Notice, being saved is a gift; it’s absolutely free! You can’t buy it, work for it, or be good enough for it. It is free! It would be as if a friend went to the store and purchased you a present. They paid for it, wrapped it, put a bow on it, and brought it to you. They did everything for you; all you have to do is receive it.

That is what Jesus did! He left His home in Heaven, came to earth, died on the cross, shed His blood, and He paid for your sins. He did everything for you; all you have to do is receive it. And Romans 5:8 says He did this for us while still sinners.

Most people think they have to stop doing everything bad before God will save them. But God loves us as sinners and Jesus died for us. When Jesus died for you, He made it possible for you to have forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God.

But just because Jesus died for you does not automatically save you.

You must ask Jesus to forgive your sins.

Now, do you admit that you are a sinner?

Do you understand that sin separates you from God?

Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you?

Would you like to be forgiven of all your sins and know 100% you are going to Heaven?

If YES, then this is what you need to do.

In Romans 10:9-13 the Bible says. Now, “whosoever” means you. “If you shall call upon the name of the Lord, you shall be saved.”

Then, according to the Bible, if you asked Jesus into your heart right now, He would save you forever! Wouldn’t you like to do this? If you will trust Jesus to take you to Heaven when you die, pray this prayer.

“Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins and God raised you from the dead. Forgive me of all my sins; come into my heart today and live forever. Give me a home in Heaven when I die. Help me to obey you. I mean this prayer with all my heart!”

Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you have done this then according to the Bible, you are saved and if you were to die today you would go to Heaven!

Read Your Bible, Pray, Find a Bible Based Church and be Baptized.

 

May God bless you and keep you,

GW

 

GW Tolley - Author, Speaker, Self-Publishing Coach, Hearing Impaired and Deaf Advocate and “WRITE It OUT” for Firefighters, First Responders, Military, and Police Officers.

Productions By Faith

www.ProductionsByFaith.com

 

Scott Smith (left) , GW Tolley (right), and Landen Conner Photo and Video

#ONLYGOD #Interview