But God: From Prisoner to Homeowner

There are some choices that Sam has made in his past that still affect him today. Even in light of the truth of God’s abundant grace and forgiveness, sin’s consequences still linger in our broken world.  

But through it all, Sam has learned something deeper: pain is not useless.  

It prompts an awareness that a change needs to be made—a call to action. 

It provides opportunity for growth and development if we are willing to let God into that circumstance.  

God never wastes pain.  

The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. (Hebrews 12:6, NIV)  

Sam used to think punishment meant rejection, but he later came to understand that God disciplines those He loves—not to destroy, but to restore. Being able to adjust our mindset through His providential wisdom changes everything.  

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3, NIV)

Sam shares, “When I finally gave Him my guilt— the shame, the embarrassment, the regret—I was amazed at how He instead turned it into boldness for Him.” 

God didn’t only forgive him, but picked up the broken pieces to build something new in him. Those moments that Sam hated from his past, that once defined him, the Lord began to turn into worship and glorification through healing.

“My heartache gave way to growth I never saw coming.”

Sam says.   

Still, he admits that patience in God’s refinement is not always easy, and oftentimes has led him to return to feelings of shame and unworthiness of grace.  

God challenged him in this as he was reminded in prison that God would sail the boat as long as he was willing to row; that if he trusted Him, God would be faithful to fulfill His promises.  

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

For the past two years, JUMPSTART has provided Sam with transportation and housing. At first, he was hesitant to allow God to take care of him in this manner, but knew he needed to stay humble, with open hands to receive whatever God had planned for him. 

Sam has stewarded his limited finances in various ways, such as purchasing a brand new townhouse. 

He openly shares that his current earnings have not put him in the most reasonable position to cover housing expenses, but God has provided by putting generous people in his path who have stepped in and helped.  

“Sure, I know how people want to hear how [God] has already provided these and it is a happy ending, but… life is about struggle and trusting in God with our uncertainties.”  

God’s timing is better than ours. He knows our needs and will meet them in the ways in which He chooses, not us.  

If we keep rowing, God will keep steering. 

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Long term, Sam aims to provide additional housing for JUMPSTART participants who are ready to graduate from the program and take their first steps in figuring out the path God has set before them. One of the main reasons he bought a house even when it didn’t appear to make much financial sense was to bless others and outwardly display his trust in the Lord, to answer the Bible’s calling to bear one another’s burdens.  

“I want to be a part of what God’s doing in their lives, just like others were a part of what He’s done in mine.” 

What it comes down to is that, on his own, Sam believes he should not own a house.  

“But God.” 

 Those two words have proven to be all the difference in the world to him.

“I am reliant on God,” he says, “and that is exactly where I want to be.” 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)  

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)