Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
This is my story. It’s not as dramatic, or as traumatic as other people’s testimonies, but it illustrates God’s goodness and his faithfulness.
To provide context I need to go back to about 2 months before I was born. My mother was riding in the backseat of a car that was involved in an accident. This was before the days of seatbelts and other safety restraints, and she ended up on the floor of the car. Whether it was the accident, or an injury that occurred during delivery, I was born with weakness, and less than full range of motion on my left side. Manual dexterity is a challenge. Often, my left hand does not know what my right hand is doing.
It is possible that I am naturally an introvert, but my limitations increased my shyness and reluctance to expose myself to ridicule. Even in the third grade I was still unable to tie my own shoelaces. They had come loose, and I remember fumbling to try and tie them myself, when a classmate, a girl, offered to come to my rescue. There was also the humiliation of being the last to be chosen for a game of softball or kickball. It was rough at times, but I’m grateful for my family who always made me feel loved and worthwhile.
Wrestling with God
From as early as I can remember, I loved Jesus, but I could never gather the courage to raise my hand and come forward to tell everyone that he was my Lord and Savior. I dreaded the church’s Christmas program. Having to get up and recite a verse or sing a song in front of everyone, but finally at age 11 I summoned the courage to asked Jesus into my heart.
For years, I wrestled with God. You see, my family believed in divine healing. My dad worked for a healing ministry. My grandmother took me to Kathryn Kuhlman meetings where I witnessed great and mighty miracles, but I kept wondering why God wouldn’t heal me.
The wrestling with God continued into my senior year of high school. One day while reading my Bible I came across Paul’s words: I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (NLT)
A Dramatic Transformation
This discovery led me on a pursuit of God. To this point in my life, I had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Over the next several months, the desire for more of God consumed me and on a Friday night in April 1975, the dam burst, and I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. In no way would I minimize my salvation experience, but without a doubt, nothing changed my life more dramatically than the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”
This shy introvert was overcome with a boldness that could only have come from God. Soon I began leading Bible studies, preaching, and singing. The next year I was licensed as a minister, and God began to open doors and opportunities. My physical limitations were still there, but I had been transformed by the power of God.
Previously, I mentioned wrestling with God. I was reminded that Jacob also wrestled with God, not letting go until he received a blessing. (Genesis 32:24-32). However, God touched his hip, and Jacob walked with a limp for the rest of his life. The mark of God was upon him. While not comparing myself with Jacob, I took my limitations as God’s mark on my body and my life. I could now stand in agreement with Paul when he said: If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 2 Corinthians 11:30 (NLT)
God Had a Plan for Me
Even after all of this, I still wondered if anybody would ever want to marry me. Many of my friends were getting married, but would there be someone for me? God answered those prayers in the most wonderful way. Denise and I just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary, and I can’t imagine anyone more beautiful, Christlike, and suited just for me.
I know that I am living a blessed life, and I’m so grateful for all that God has done for me. I have the privilege of leading a ministry that supports and encourages 1500 pastors, chaplains, and others in the ministry. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:10 (CSB)
Occasionally, the thought of healing may enter my mind because I know that nothing is impossible with God, but eventually I remember “My grace is sufficient for you, because my strength is made perfect in weakness.” I have a great responsibility because I have been blessed in so many ways. Jesus said this: For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required. And from him to whom much was entrusted, much will be asked. Luke 12:48 (MEV)
I will not forget how much the Lord has done for me, but I think that each one of us could say the same thing. Our individual stories are important. Each one of our stories is different, but they have the potential of encouraging and blessing other people. Thank you for letting me tell my story.
Steve Ekeroth