Who Was I? Who Am I?

Over the past several days I've mentioned some of the things that happened to bring to the place where I am now. Now I'm going to be more specific not to garner attention or to throw a pity party, but to give a clearer picture of what God has done in me.

Who was I?
- Angry...if I didn't yell at someone on the road during the day, I'd shock even myself.
- An addict...I got myself addicted to pornography a couple years ago and even though the Lord healed me, it destroyed the loyalty my wife had to me. It tore away my strength and I was no longer seen as the man or the protector, just a burden.
- Selfish... I didn't give my wife the love she needed because I was too busy taking care of the things I wanted. I was into numerous hobbies, and I spent more time with them then I did with her. Rick Warren is correct in his book, The Purpose-Driven Life, that time is the greatest example of love I can give. By the time my wife and I separated, she had gotten used to me not being around. By the time the time the Lord opened my eyes and I dropped these hobbies, my wife had had enough.
- Lazy...I did not give my wife the support she needed around the house. I was a burden to her, not someone she could keep loving.
- The failed spiritual head of the family...When we got married, I accepted these responsibilities readily, but over the course of the marriage I failed constantly. I didn't mind my wife's walk and obviously not my own. I believe this has been my greatest failure as a man.

Who Am I?
- Restored...The Lord has restored my strength and my heart. He's torn away my anger and filled me with a renewed spirit.
- Loving...I look at everyone with love now. I want to exemplify my father. The love he has filled me with is unconditional.
- Warrior...You don't see me with a real sword and shield, but I fight with my words. Prayer is my weapon.
- A man of faith....All things are possible through Christ. He builds my faith everyday.
- The Priest of the Home...even with my wife away, I've taken up my role in the home. My home is holy ground. It's my secret place for prayer and worship to the Lord. All who live in my home, must understand that as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
- Submitted...I'm surrendered to God to use for his purposes alone...I want what he wants...nothing less.
- Child of God - I'm saved by his grace and mercy. I am his child and I love him as my father.

What was the point of this? To exhibit what the Lord can do. I was everything I shouldn't be, and now I'm becoming what God meant for me to be. Despite the world's belief that people can't be changed, I have been changed, and will continue to be changed. Someday, I will be changed into the unshakable man of God that I'm supposed to be. Remember, he is the potter and we are the clay.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 12:2 (NASB)