My Testimony. January 25, 2025 By Larry Kadell
I was in Army Cadets as a child. I then joined the Army and became familiar with drinking beer. My drinking turned on me.
I have since learned that fearing God does not mean to be afraid of Him. It means to be respect Him.
Some churches taught me to fear God physically, and I took this to be correct. I asked pastors about the Ten Commandments. When I asked about the sabbath commandment, they told me that that commandment was just for the Jews. It turns out I ws asking the right questions to the wrong people.
God gave me a spark that would not go away. Jeremiah was like this. My life was not like Jeremiah's.
As a Christian I continued to drink. I got tied up in the sin of justification. I was told by elders and pastors that I was saved by grace. I was told it did not matter how I lived. Despite this I felt uncomfortable in church because of my drinking and other life things.
Three years before I stopped drinking, I went to Bible studies with a butcher. He helped me to stop drinking. I went to a recovery group. I learned that if I asked God for help, I still would do what I wanted to do. I learned that I, despite my questions, would continue to do what I wanted to do.
I finally quit drinking after 34 years. Suddenly my compulsion to drink was gone. I know when this happened I had to change my life. My friends saw me as a threat. I respect others regardless of their choices. My friends could not do this.
In sobriety I got closer to God. I still never felt comfortable in church until I went to the Owen Sound Seventh-day Adventist Church.
When I became sober, it hoped others in my recovery group. The group saw God in the lens of whatever you individually understand. When I mentioned Jesus, I was ostracized. I learned I could not talk freely about Jesus Christ.
True friends weather storms together.
I had learned the sin of justification because I justified myself.
I now had friends who taught me about the Bible. I tried to defend the Bible with a toothpick. I knew so little. I almost gave up. However, that spark would not die. I learned no man can have two masters.
Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters;
for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and man.
You cannot serve God and man.
Luke 6:13
And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself;
and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles
I learned that I could live in the world, while not being part of it. Now, with proper guidance, I wanted to learn more.
My life is not perfect, but what I have now is peace.
I was bullied as a kid. Kindness was so much better. I learned that people can get more from using honey than vinegar in your dealing with other people.
I thought I was following His way. I could not, however, see the way until I sobered. Many ministers did not agree.
Self help books helped me. I found the Bible the best self-help book I have had. It is full of truth!!
I was told I would never be good at creative things like art or writing. I have learned I can do art!. I can write! I do have gifts and I can use them for God.
I moved to Meaford and got very sick. I was diagnosed with cancer and my marriage was not good. I got very sick. I got weaker and weaker. Food tasted like stainless steel. I prayed to God. I it is your will that I die, then I am coming home. If I survive this, I will do what I need to.
I was sent home to die. I cried out, "I am here!" I lost 46 lb in three months. I went down to 97lb. I could barely walk. My wife was not well. While I was sick, life was very hard. I prayed every day.
I met a man, and in talking, discovered he was a Seventh-day Adventist. I had not felt I belongs in many other churches, so did nto attend. Finally he convinced me to come. I told the Pastor there, Pastor Pollington, that I had no intention of joining until I was sure.
One day, I made that decision to be baptized!.
I discovered the people in this church were real!! My eyes were opened! God has replaced my "eyes", and now I see!!
I had hung around friends that were not good friends. These friends in the church were real friends. Now I talk to God.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, all I want is peace. I have lived long since I was expected to die. Now, I help others whenever I can. I now have protection, when I am with people who have prayed for me.
Some people in my past, have been cruel. When I was really ill, I had to take care of my wife. At one point I was in bed for 90 days. I still had to care for my wife. Jesus helped me like no one else could.
Satan does not like the Word of God.
God tells us to be still. When I mase my decision to be baptized, I woke up with a sore throat. I went to church and found the church baptismal tank heater was broken. The water was freezing cold. I decided to be baptized anyway.
After my baptism, I had more difficult times. My wife decided to leave me. I had been saving some money. I left my wife at her request and moved to Kitchener. In Kitchener I had more difficult times. I had a disability after my illness. Ilived with my brother, who hated the Lord. He abused me. I decided I had to leave his home.
I made a decision, I had to choose friends who were real friends. No more phoney-baloney friends!
I still have challenges in my life. I have hope for a better life with my heavenly Father.
Sin is ugly. I am a sinner who now has God in my life.
I found a new apartment but there were problems with renovations. A friend of a friend told me about a house that was available. I now live in a beautiful place that feels like a cottage, a dream home. I feel like I am in paradise. What an answer to prayer! I pray with my neighbour.
I have seen that God means what He says. When we go through a hard time in life, God has a plan for us, just like he had for me.
Psalm 31:3
For You are my rock and my fortress;
Therefore, for Your name’s sake,
Lead me and guide me.
Ask God for guidance every day. I did and found I got it from friends, from church, from (fill in your blank).
I cannot be convinced that the Lord does not exist. We all need God. I am sharing how I feel.
Ina study of Romans, I was told by someone, you don't have to follow the ten commandments, it is okay to drink.
I chose to follow My Father, to please Him.
Do not lean on your own understanding. God is always right. I do not want a worldly light. I want to be a good person under the shadow of My Lord.
God did not create sin.
I repent so many times because I am human. I trusted in the Lord in the hospital bed. I 90% surrendered. I learn more and more things I need to do. Learning happens in stages.
I am now happier and more content. I study because I want to understand. Now I see it is simple.
I was taught not to pray for myself. I now know I can!
If I suffer in His names sake, then I am okay. I have to put God first, then love for friends and family. My life is good! I help my neighbours. Helping others helps me. It helps me to get the Word out through actions.
(Picture from Pixabay)