I want to share with you a lesson on transformation from the persecuted church. This is the story of a man named Ozod* and I’d love to tell you more of his story at Open Doors Live.
On a trip to Central Asia, I encountered one of the most incredible men of faith I have ever met. He changed my life and inspired almost all of the faith-based lessons I’ve ever shared.
But I wonder, what I would have thought if I’d met him earlier on?
Image: A street in Central Asia.
Some parts of Central Asia are incredibly poor. Conflict erupted after the fall of the Soviet Union, causing widespread famine and death.
Ozod* grew up in this context. He began drinking when he was 10-years-old. He started smoking marijuana when he was 11, and in year 8, he dropped out of school to join the military. When Ozod got married, he regularly beat his wife.
When I think of radical transformation, I tend to think of stories like Saul on the road to Damascus; changed in an instant, a new person is born.
Through many conversations with a friend, Ozod came to know Jesus. But it took years for Ozod to stop drinking and beating his wife. His transformation still took time.
Now, he is a loving husband and father. His impact on the church and on faith in his country has been so huge, the secret police have rented the apartment next door to watch what he does next.
But I wonder, when would I have given up on Ozod? When would I have thought he was too far gone?
Transformation Takes Time
We often have such a strong idea of what a Christian should look like, that we forget transformation is a journey. A journey made possible by another man, one who the world thought was too far gone and yet even death itself could not hold Him.
Image: A winding mountain road in Central Asia.
Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God proclaimed that no-one was too far gone, that He would never give up on His children.
I wonder at what point in the story I would have given up on Ozod? Or at what point I think God should have given up on me?
But our stories are a testament to the power and grace of Jesus, who radically transforms even the most unlikely of us. It’s a journey that we take steps towards each day.
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory…” – 2 Corinthians 3:18
This Is Your Invitation
Ozod is without a doubt the man who has had the greatest impact on my faith in Jesus.
Join us at Open Doors Live, for an evening of praise and prayer that I guarantee will change your faith.
*Name changed for security purposes