Ex-sports star, Gary Ablett, boldy shares his testimony in this article that appeared in today's Herald Sun and reminds us all that holiness is an ongoing process.
"It's only because of my relationship with Jesus, and God's unconditional love and acceptance of me in Christ, that I'm still here today - and I don't say that lightly. Sometimes it's through the most difficult and painful times that we learn the most valuable lessons. There is nothing like failure to force you to examine the foundations of your life.
"The Lord has taught me that the battle to feel good about myself can't be won by simply trying harder. I had to completely change the basis of my self-worth and security. I used to worry about what people thought, until one day Jesus spoke to me and said, 'Gary, most people don't even know who they are, let alone who you are, so why should you worry about what they think?'
"The Lord began to take me on a journey concerning the true basis of my self-worth and security, and I'm learning that the true basis of my self-worth is based on what God says is true of me in His Word. He created me. He alone knows my true worth and value. This is setting me free from the fear of failure and rejection that comes from basing your worth and security on performance and other's opinions.
"In (Matthew 7:24-27), Jesus said: 'Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
"But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.'
"I'm learning to build my life on the sure foundation of God's eternal truth, and not on the sands of worldly success and approval, fame, wealth, etc, which are so uncertain and destined to perish.
"Jesus said: 'What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose or forfeit his soul in hell? (Luke 9:25)
"I realise I have a long way to go, but at least I know I'm heading in the right direction. I've repented and thankfully God has forgiven me, but I think the hardest thing for us to do at times is to forgive ourselves. Thankfully with God, no matter how bad things may seem, he always has a future and a hope for us, and he can take the worst of circumstances and work them for good and his glory.
"I acknowledge my failure was extreme. However, I believe I responded with honesty and integrity. I still struggle with bouts of depression but I'm much better than I was. In terms of my own use of illicit drugs, I feel I'm pretty much on top of it now. There has been the odd relapse here and there, but thank God I'm getting to the place where I can finally put the past behind me and move forward.
"Changing your life is a process and it doesn't happen overnight. I'm learning the importance of making right choices and decisions. Our lives will be shaped by the choices we make and it can sometimes be the seemingly insignificant choices that can turn out to be life changing and even destiny altering."
