i took a trip to heaven
Cyrus, the king of Persia, was chosen by God. That’s right—God used a pagan ruler to accomplish His will. He reserves the right to use anyone, anything, or any situation for His purposes.
That difficult person, unexpected event, or frustrating circumstance in your life might be just that—a tool for your character development, a means of redemption for someone else, or preparation for greater responsibility. His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
I’ve learned that I need to stop trying to play God, hero, therapist, or victim in my seasons of life. Instead, I must surrender each day to Him and live for Him right now. So, what does that look like?
The Last Words I Said to My Father
The last thing I said to my dad was a prayer. He had developed lung issues and was beginning pulmonary rehab. Our relationship was surface-level—we caught up every few months, but he never met my daughters, despite living only 30 minutes away. He never met eight of his grandchildren.
When my siblings and I were young, we were separated from him by court order and weren’t allowed to see him again until we turned 18. The narrative about him was dark.
Last year was supposed to be the year of reconciliation. He was open to talking. But before that could happen, he had a sudden heart issue, and his lungs collapsed, and he died unexpectedly.
I had plans to check on him, but life got busy. I never made it. At his funeral, only three of his seven children were there. Most of my siblings didn’t come—not out of bitterness, but because they simply didn’t know him. I was nine when we were separated, along with my older brother and sister.
As I sat there, I listened to people stand and share memories of my father—memories I didn’t have. I looked at my siblings, wondering if they would say something. They didn’t.
So, I did.
Nervous, angry, and confused, I stood up. I had planned to talk about Jesus—I felt God calling me to. And when I opened my mouth, something powerful came out.
Since that day, I’ve wrestled with what could have been. What if we had reconciled? What if I had learned the truth about why we were separated—from his mouth? What was God doing through all of this?
Though many questions remain unanswered, one does not: I am called to go.
Today, my Bible blew open to Isaiah 6:8—“Here am I. Send me!” His death, my unanswered questions, and God’s faithfulness in my life have ignited a deeper passion for discipling and equipping men and for being a Godly husband and present father to my wife and children.
God Redeems Every Story
This isn’t the only painful event God has used to shape me. I have countless stories of people, circumstances, and moments that He has used to deliver me, strengthen me, and lift me higher.
That’s what Isaiah 45 is about. God used Cyrus—a pagan king—to fulfill His plans. He used events only the people of that time could understand to reveal Himself. When they recognized Him as the one true God, they thrived.
But anything outside of Him? It leads to false security and meaningless pleasure.
“It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’”
—1 Corinthians 1:30-31
If you’re trying to find strength or identity outside of Christ—outside of what He did on the cross and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit—you are relying on a false sense of security.
Maybe that’s comfort, achievement, control, or even ministry done for the wrong reasons.
Never Finished Challenge
What are you allowing to play God in your life?
What is giving you a false sense of comfort, security, or hope?
It’s not wrong to desire security, comfort, or hope—but when they become your god, they will fail you.
When God strengthens and delivers you, share it!
Ask Him to give you moments to share your testimony.
Step out in faith when those moments come.
Reflect His character.
We are called to reflect God, not replace Him.
You won’t be perfect, but the Holy Spirit transforms you daily.
Like an athlete training for a skill, you won’t succeed if you neglect time with your Coach and others. Your coach can spot your weaknesses and others can take you to higher levels because of their skills.
We are never finished. Keep running. Keep surrendering. Keep going deeper.
What Does Today Say About God?
Yesterday, I had an unusual coffee meeting with a brother in Christ. As I shared my testimony, he suddenly began explaining a powerful scene from The Shack (pictured above).
At first, he struggled to finish the scene. We changed the subject so he could muster the strength to say something that would take me straight to heaven, then—with tears streaming down his face—the words finally came out:
“That is your dad and you embracing in heaven.”
For those who have not seen the movie, the main character poisons and kills his father out of fear for his life. His dad was a deeply broken man. But, the Holy Spirit gave the main character a moment to go to heaven and, to his surprise, see his dad. They embraced, and the son’s bitterness and resentment disappeared!
I believe my dad knew Christ. And I believe that one day, when I see him again, I will wrap him in my arms, and he will embrace me. At that moment, the love of Christ will shine through us, wiping away every question, tear, and trace of bitterness.
How does a simple conversation at Starbucks lead to that?
I don’t know.
But I do know this—the King of the universe has always been by my side. He has loved me in ways I can’t explain, through events, people, and unexpected moments.
And, He wants to do the same to YOU.
Thank you, Jesus.