How God Has Moved in My Life
A few years ago, my life looked entirely different. I had wandered down a path of tobacco, alcohol, and other illicit substances. By the time I hit rock bottom with substance abuse, I had been using daily for about 15 years. My biggest struggle was alcohol, which dictated every decision I made—from the moment I woke until I passed out.
I was completely powerless over alcohol. I chose drinking over everything—friends, family, work, and even food. My only consistent engagement was with the liquor store at 7am. I had isolated myself, often drinking alone for days or weeks. Multiple attempts at in-patient treatments failed to help me; I always returned to drinking. I remember countless times staring into the mirror, teary-eyed, pressing a bottle to my lips, filled with shame and guilt. I felt weak and useless.
God’s grace and mercy showed up through a compassionate young woman who led me back to Him. One night, I showed up at her house inebriated and unannounced, feeling sorry for myself. Instead of turning me away, she threw me in the shower and made me a meal, showing me undeserved compassion. Through her actions, I saw firsthand the grace of God which began to transform my heart.
This young woman urged me to try another recovery center and handed me a Bible on the way. God used service to bring me back to His ways. After completing that recovery program, I dived headfirst into service and never looked back.
Trusting God’s Path
Serving in His church has shown me the joy of community compared to my previous isolation. The young woman who believed in me is now my wife. I became an independent licensed builder and had the privilege to travel the world helping others for God’s glory. I also had the opportunity to help others in my community. I am no longer bound by relentless addiction. I reconciled broken relationships with family and friends – none of this would have been possible without God in my corner.
He didn’t give up on me when I had given up on myself. God called me to serve others, showing me joy and healing in relationships I once thought I was unworthy of. My spiritual journey is far from over, and I eagerly anticipate how God will use me and what He has in store for the future.
– Zach Pringle
