The New Birth

By Author: Irvin L. Rozier
Total Articles: 93
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THIS FOR ALL YOU MOTHERS (AND DADS) WHO HAVE PRAYED FOR THEIR CHILDREN

This is story number nine (out of fifty) from my book, My Walk with the Lord, www.selahbooks.com

Psalm 40. 1,2 "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."

Christmas 1972 was my first Christmas away from home. I was in the Army stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. I received a package from Mama. As I opened it, I uncovered some fresh Georgia pecans, some homemade fruitcake, a bottle of fresh cane syrup, and a few other items. At the bottom of the box was a Bible. During that period of my life, I really didn't have much to do with God and his ways.

During the following years, I would sometimes pick up that Bible and try to read...I sure didn't understand much of what I was reading. All the begats got to me.

The years 1985 and 1986 were trying times for me. I was still in the Army and was having a great career when my family life fell apart. My wife ...
... walked out and left me with three small children. At first, I tried to put the blame on others when deep inside I knew I was to blame. I needed something but didn't know what would ease my pain.

Well, I was brought up in church (Proverbs 22.6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.") I figured I'd go to the local church for help. As I counseled with the pastor, he gave me a sheaf of papers I had to read and fill out, and then he would talk to me about becoming a member..I didn't need that! I needed Jesus, but no one pointed me to Him.

On January 3, 1987, about 9:30 PM, I looked up on the bookshelf. There was that Bible my Mama had given me years ago. I pulled it down, dusted off the cover, and opened it up. The words of the Psalmist (Psalm 40. 1,2,) jumped off the pages and spoke to my heart. As tears poured down my cheeks, I said "God, if You are real, save me!" Immediately Jesus came, and I was born again and I knew it! I felt like I was being washed whiter than snow.

You see, I had been under conviction of the Holy Ghost for a long time. God rearranged the circumstances of my life to get my attention. Thank God for a Mama who thought enough of me to give me a Bible.

Matthew 11.28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Since that day over 17 years ago, the Lord has used me greatly..in all kinds of ways...Parents, don't give up on your children..Continue to pray for them

Irvin L. Rozier, Captain (Retired) US Army, still serving as a soldier in God's Army


About the Author preacher, author, retired Captain, US Army