A year ago today, I was at the lowest point of my entire life. The days were dark, and I felt like there was a weight on my heart that would crush me. I had questions about my physical and emotional health, my future in ministry, and my future, period! From a human perspective, there was no way forward. I cried out to the Lord like I never had before; and, often, I just cried. I was spent, with no strength of my own to offer. My tank was empty and my well was dry.
“But, God …” Those two powerful words! They make all the difference! Read Ephesians 2:1-10 and notice how these two words at the beginning of verse 4 provide the radical turning point within that context. Only God could part the clouds and dispel the darkness. Only God could bring healing and strength. Only the Almighty could restore joy and hope. Can I get an “Amen” to His faithfulness and grace?
A year later, so many prayers have been answered and so many remarkable blessings have been granted to me, my family, and my ministry that I find myself questioning, “Was that really me?” It seems impossible, and, in truth, it is; humanly impossible! Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26).
Thank you, Father, for loving me. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for abiding with me. Thank you, Kim, for loving and believing in me. Thank you, Hannah and Coleman, for trusting me. Thank you, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, for encouraging me.
I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.
(Psalm 40:1-3)
Thinking Out Loud 
6 comments
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October 13, 2009 at 12:28 pm
rossblog
Wonderful blog post! So glad your tank is full and your well is overflowing again!
– Bobby
October 13, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Tim Archer
It’s been almost 8 years for me, but I can well remember the darkness and despair that filled my soul. I too have been there and back.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
October 13, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Beverly Ross
What a powerful testimony to the rescue and healing nature of the Lord! I am so proud of you and Kim. May the Lord bless your ministry to be more than you could ever ask or imagine – and may you bring glory to His precious name every step of the way!
October 13, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Linda Trout
You certainly get a loud and grateful AMEN, my brother!! Excellent post! I love your transparency and the fact that you are using your journey to help others. That’s part of what ministering is about and you are doing an outstanding job, Mr. Pyles!! I’m so grateful, Tim, that God has delivered you and given you blessings beyond what you could imagine!!! How great is our GOD!!!!
October 13, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Pat Hendry
You deserve everything good that has come your way. I’m so glad you are happy and healthy. You have helped so many other people. Wish we could have helped you more in your time of need.
October 15, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Connie Cerny
I joined right after you left. I never heard you preach, but knew I had really missed someone special. Over, and over, and over, and over, I heard how wonderful you were and all about your special talents. I am so happy to know you are at peace again. It is also good to know that even though we are at the foot of the cross together, from time to time we all have our own personal deep pain with which we have to deal. It is my blessing to see my brothers and sisters obey. Thank you for your strength, courage, and for doing what God asks.