In our Weakness, He is Strong! (Part II)
“Help me—help you—help him!” These were the words that echoed in Dave’s ears while he waited to hear if Jerry was going to live after suffering a heart attack. He prayed his CPR efforts were helpful and Jerry would survive. Still, Dave knew the risks. His own heart ached for Jerry as he awaited news from the hospital.
Born and raised in suburban Boston, Dave is familiar with the pain of loss. Years ago, he was a successful business man, working with a major computer engineering firm. His job included frequent travel, golf, a new Corvette, and a six figure income. It was a dream come true when he met a beautiful Peruvian woman named Lara and became engaged after nine years of dating. He describes her as “one that would jump in front of a bullet for me.” Unfortunately, Lara suffered a fatal brain aneurysm and in one moment their dreams of a future together were crushed. Soon Dave’s bank account disappeared and he ended up miserable, battling addiction, and in the men’s shelter on Grand Avenue in New Haven.
On one of our outreaches to the men’s shelter, my husband Mike noticed Dave and commented, “You know you’re not getting any younger. Do you need help?” Mike sat down and shared about The 180 Center Discipleship Training Program, a program that helps men who truly want change in their lives. Dave was not yet desperate enough to commit to God and surrender his will. So Mike offered him another alternative for men who have an income and want to live sober free; he shared with him about a bed available at one of our Christian sober living homes called The 180 Houses. Dave lived in the sober house for a few months, but was asked to leave because of noncompliance. Meanwhile, we all prayed for God to pursue Dave and lead him to surrender.
Full surrender only happens when we are truly desperate. Fortunately, God is long suffering and desires for all of us to come to Him. When we are humble enough to admit we are sinners and need His help, Jesus welcomes us with open arms. In the New Testament the apostle Paul describes how grateful he was for God’s patience with him, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.”
Dave returned to The 180 Center a year later, finally desperate for help. He chose to make a u-turn, surrendered his life to Jesus, and completed the eighteen month residential discipleship program The 180 Center offers to men who feel hopeless. Today he’s once again a successful businessman and owner of a marketing firm, but he stays grounded as a disciple of Christ and manager of one of The 180 Houses.
The hospital was able to get Jerry’s identification, address, and Dave’s name from the 911 operator. Two days later a doctor called and asked, “Hey Dave, how does it feel saving a life?” Jerry was going to live after all! Humbled, Dave gave thanks to God and the 911 dispatcher who pleaded for him to trust his help. Jerry returned home ten days later and is still recovering, but doctors give him a good prognosis. Praise God!
There’s a story in the Bible about a woman that desperately desires to be healed so she reaches through a crowd and grabs the hem of Jesus’s garment. She had to be low to reach it. Today Dave describes himself as “one who is clinging to Jesus because He has me here for a reason.” Dave has found the secret of being strong in Christ is humility and depending on God. Can you hear Him speak? Jesus is pleading with all of us, “Help me—help you—help them!” Will you allow yourself to be weak so He can be strong?
