What Jesus has done for me!

Mark 5
The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man

1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"

9Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

I read this passage to Caleb the other night after Joshua was in bed already. I've read it a thousand times it seems, but Mark 5:19 really jumped out at me this time. Jesus wants us to tell others what the Lord has done for us and how He's had mercy on us. How many times does someone's testimony bring others to Christ rather than the typical sermon, etc? God has done so much for me, I don't even know where to begin. But here are a few points that I thanked him for that night:

• Jesus saved me from my sins. I now know that I have hope when I die to live eternally in heaven with Him.
  
• Jesus blessed me from my very birth with a wonderful family. I've also been blessed with friends throughout my life, which I no longer take for granted.


• When I was in high school, I had a few selfish goals. I wanted a 4-door silver stick-shift car under $2,000 and He provided that very vehicle. I wanted to go to the homecoming dance and prom with a date, and I did. I also wanted to wear a football jersey to school (since that was the "cool" thing to do) and I got to not only once but twice from two different guys.


• I also wanted to attend college but wasn't sure how I'd be able to pay for it. I not only got my bachelor's degree, I got my master's as well.


• I wanted a husband to share my life with, and God gave me a man that exceeds my wildest dreams.


• I wanted a house - a single house with 4 BRs, 2.5 baths, in a good school district, with at least a quarter acre of ground, with at least a one-car garage and hopefully a fireplace and a nice layout. Our house has all that and more, with a fantastic location and nice neighbors and is great for raising kids. We've also been provided with the funds to make it a nice home.


• Once I got pregnant, all I wanted was for Joshua to be healthy. And, God once again provided and not only healed Joshua but also gave us another beautiful, healthy son.


• He's blessed me with fantastic job opportunities. I've always held higher up positions for any company I've worked for, even though I was younger than most holding that job. He's provided for us financially when I've truly wondered how we would make it when I wasn't working full time. Over and over again, He's blessed us at just the right moment with just the right gift. I've been able to work some from home and teach part-time in the evenings at the university, and we've been blessed by little gifts that come and meet our exact need at the exact right time.


• Growing up, I always wanted to be on the Price is Right and see the Seinfeld Reality Tour. Again, goofy selfish things, but I've done both.


• More than that, God has blessed me with the ability to play the piano and worship Him (I've really not had any formal training and always tell folks that the Holy Spirit taught me how to play). He's given me intelligence to feel comfortable in most settings. He's inspired me through teachings and quiet moments.


• And, He died on the cross for me, that I might have not only eternal life but life abundant here on earth. He provided a manual of insight to guide and direct me during my days here. There are SO many times I fall short of his glory (on a daily basis!) but amazingly, He always shows me love and always forgives me. And, He's provided me with others who seem to do the same.

I could go on and on about what God has done in my life... He is my provider, my healer, my savior, my friend, my father and so much more. He's the giver of good gifts to His children. I'm thrilled to be part of His family, and I hope everyone can realize the greatness of His love and mercy and salvation. May my life bring Him glory and honor! Take the time today to tell someone what God has done for you!