Greetings!
My name is Richard Wells. I am the pastor of Simpsonville Baptist Church between Gilmer and Pittsburg Texas.
Read my story and see if you find something that will help you along your way.
WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE
(John 9:1–5)
1 “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Introduction: Who is blind? Is it a person without vision? Or, is it a person without a vision? (Proverbs 29:18) “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.“I know that God created me exactly the way He intended. God doesn’t make mistakes. I have come to understand that there are people who will hear me because of the way I am that otherwise would not listen. (Exodus 4:11–12) “11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” I was in a certain church service many years ago. They asked me to sing a special song. God led me to sing that old song, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” He used that song to lead a man to Christ that night. The man’s wife called me a few days later and told me that her husband was moved to faith in Jesus by the fact that someone in my situation would not be mad at God and could sincerely sing that song. Through this, and other life experiences, I have caught a vision from God! It is getting more and more clear everyday. (1 Corinthians 13:12) says: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” One thing I know, once I was blind, but now I see. That’s how I know that God is real! We could discuss the Bible, what it says and what it means all day long. But one thing you cannot argue with me about. God has opened my eyes. I was blind, but now I see! I was blind to at least three things.
I. I was blind concerning God’s eternal salvation. The Wells family perceives itself to be divided into two groups: The church goers and the heathens. I was born, the youngest of four children to one of the heathens. It was discovered that my two brothers, also born blind and I, had an aptitude for music. Our parents decided that this would be a perfect vocation for us, so they bought a piano and two guitars and away we went. We played and sang for family reunions, civic groups, churches and for anyone else who would give us money. All of that old Gospel music didn’t mean anything to me because there was nothing at home to reinforce it. After a while all of the churches caught on to this and stopped calling us. I became bitter. After a period of time, that bitterness became an open hostility toward anyone who called themselves Christian. I became an atheist. I loved to argue against the very existence of God to any church member I could get to take the bait. I would make fun of songs like Amazing grace because they talked about being blind and receiving ones sight. Then I developed an interest in astrology and numerology. By this time, I was in my teens. But God didn’t let me go too far. I was one of the first blind students in the state of Louisiana to attend public schools. When I was in the eighth grade, there was a girl in two of my classes that always tried to help me with different school related activities. Suddenly, one day, she wasn’t there anymore. After selfishly inquiring about her because of the inconvenience I was experiencing, I found out that she was gravely ill. I thought I would be nice, so I got her phone number and called to ask how she was doing. Her mom told me that she was recovering, and how wonderful it was that a youngster like me would be so concerned. Even then, the Holy Spirit was convicting me of my hypocrisy. The more she talked, the worse I felt. God had led me to a pastor’s family. Over a period of the next eighteen months, they showed me that they had something that I didn’t have: a true relationship with God. I repented of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as the only one who could take my sins away. However, my relationship with Him was far from perfect.
II. I was blind concerning God’s daily provision. Not long before I was saved, my oldest brother had started working in night clubs at the urging of our father. He was making pretty good money. I figured that if I was going to have lots of nice stuff and a family, I would have to provide for them by doing the same kind of work. After all, what else could a blind musician do that would pay that well. So, without any prayer or consideration I proceeded down that road. A couple of years went by. Then I met a wonderful girl, and six weeks later, I married her. A year later, we had a month old child. The Holy Spirit of God never left me alone. There was always a nagging conviction that I could not continue to live a double life. (Matthew 6:24) says: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” I went back and forth between these two thoughts. “On one hand, if I quit my job, we won’t be able to buy groceries. I won’t be able to pay my bills. On the other hand, if I don’t quit my job, I won’t be a good example to other Christians and to my Sunday School class.” Yes, I was very active in church, even during all of this. If I faced conviction in one church, I would just go to another. Then, I made a deal with God. On February 8, 1989, I told the lord that I would send out letters and try to do as many revivals as I could. When I had enough to do, when I was making enough money, I would quit playing in night clubs. Naturally, there were many doors that remained closed to me.
III. I was blind concerning God’s sovereign will. There were many nights when I would go strait from a revival meeting, to my job at the bar. Between all of the conviction I was experiencing from the preaching I was hearing, and something my boss told me one night, it all finally came to choices. He said, “If people stop drinking and gambling, you won’t have a job anymore.” God has a way of telling us when He’s had enough. He let me know that I either had to give the rest of my life to Him, or He would let me go my way. (1 Corinthians 5:4–5) says: 4 “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” There are times when God gives the flesh of a saved person over to be destroyed because of gross sin. I had come to that point. God’s grace surpasses all our understanding. He preserved me for this decision. John 9:3b says: “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” On March 21, 1993, I made public my intention to leave everything else behind no matter the cost and fully follow the Lord. I don’t mind telling you, I am still in the process of learning what that means.
Conclusion: Someone has compared the life of a Christian to a blank piece of paper. Most of us want to see what the Lord writes on it before we decide if that is what we want to do. However, we must give Him our lives first. Then as He begins to write, we must carry out His perfect will for our lives. When God called Abraham, he had no idea where he was going. The lord just told him, get up and go to a land that I will show you. (Genesis 12:1–3) “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Are you willing to give your life to Christ on a blank piece of paper? Do you trust Him enough to say, Lord, whatever you write, no matter how it effects my family or friend relationships, at any price, , that is what I will do? Remember what we read in (John 9:4–5?) 4 “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” I am still in the process of finding out what God has for me to do. But one thing I already know. Before I met Jesus, I was blind. But now, I see. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see. (Isaiah 42:16) “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” AMEN!
The Bible says there is only one way to Heaven
Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6)
Good works cannot save you.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
Trust Jesus Christ today! Here’s what you must do:
Admit you are a sinner.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12)
“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10)
Be willing to turn from sin (repent).
Jesus said: “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” (Acts 17:30)
Believe that Jesus Christ died for you, was buried, and rose from the dead.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Through prayer, invite Jesus into your life to become your personal Saviour.
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
What to pray:
Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
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If you have received Jesus Christ as your Saviour, as a Christian you should:
Read your Bible every day to get to know Christ better.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)
Talk to God in prayer every day.
“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Be baptized, worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached and the Bible is the final authority.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19)
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Tell others about Christ.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
JOHN.316 hE LOVES US.
Here is a single Verse of Scripture that has done more to heal past hurts in my personal life than any other:
(Genesis 50:20)
“As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day.”
When I recognize that absolutely no bad word or deed directed toward me can have anything but good end results from God, it completely releases me from holding any kind of grudge or bitterness toward anyone. As long as I meditate on this truth, it even allows me to pray for their Spiritual well-being and for reconciliation and restoration of fellowship between them and me.
What is Jesus’ attitude toward those who hate Him?
(Romans 5:8)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Recommended reading: (Genesis 37, 39–50,) The Story Of The Life Of Joseph
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Very good.
I didn;‘t even know theese blogs were there until I started rearanging my home page. thanks.
The life of Joseph is one of my favorite biblical examples of the LORD‘s work and purpose. After all, Joseph is a portrait of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Thank you, Richard, for this beautiful post.
If you have not yet met God, contact me at:
richwels@samobile.net
and the Holy Spirit and I’ll introduce you!
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