Imprisoned But Free! (Chastised By Love)
By Randy Ramer
I have been a part of this Pentecostal blessing since 1988. My faith has wavered greatly because of my overwhelming lustful desires of the flesh. I soon learned that being washed by the blood of Jesus did not keep me from old habits or desires. This weakness of immorality jeopardized my salvation and led me to a prison cell in a state prison facility in 2005. I made excuses for my failures such as, “I cannot control my emotions and feelings” and “God will forgive me when I repent again.” Well needless to say, my sins found me out!
I remember the fear that struck my heart and soul when I realized that I was out of God’s will and I knew that I was going to prison. I thought of all those I witnessed to for the past 17 years and how it was all for nothing. My life was physically and spiritually over forever, or so I thought. I was convinced that I would die in prison and God would condemn me to a devil’s Hell; repentance was no longer an option for me.
The very day I got to county prison, I felt the need to call upon God and pour my heart out to Him. I recalled Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness.” Romans 8:31, “If God be for me, who can be against me?” Romans 8:35, “No one shall separate us from the love of Christ.” Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ that strengtheth me.” I prayed for forgiveness and healing of my soul morning, noon, and night. I gained hope through Jesus Christ and His resurrection as long as I still had breath to praise Him and worship His holy name wholeheartedly. I found favor from God once again that day, mprand I was released from my unrighteousness by the baptism of the Holy Ghost and set free from God’s indignation.
My obedience behind bars led me to a closer relationship with God and resulted in a total transformation in my heart, mind, soul, and countenance. I was facing a 5-15 year sentence. I prayed, “God, have mercy on me and let there be favor from the court.” My prayers were answered eight months later when the judge sentenced me to 18 months to four years in the state prison. I praised God for chastising me and for His great love. While in prison the Spirit of God working in my life opened many doors of opportunity to witness about salvation. This journey in the wilderness put shackles on my hands and feet but not on my spirit.
“All things work together for the good to them that love God!” ~ Romans 8:28
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