"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..."
Romans 1:16
(KJV)
It is amazing how the dear Lord always works simultaneously on both ends of a situation,
and it is equally amazing to watch the way He orchestrates the events of our lives.
Recently, during a sweet time of fellowship with dear friends during a Concerned Women for America meeting, in which Tonya Shellnutt was introducing and talking about the core values of CWA,
Zach and I had the blessed privilege of sitting across the table from the humble man of God being interviewed today.
As we sat enjoying a delicious meal together while visiting and enjoying the fellowship of him and his precious wife, Terry, the Holy Spirit's still, small voice whispered,
"This man's story needs to be told."
Right away, I asked if he would be willing to share his testimony by doing an interview for us here.
I was so grateful when he kindly and graciously agreed.
You are going to be abundantly blessed, encouraged, and inspired,
as you read his story of redemption and how God's amazing grace has transformed his life.
The
of
Friend, Husband, Father, Pastor and Believer, Follower and Servant of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Wayne Mobley.
Wayne: The Holy Spirit spoke to me at different points in my life. I first felt him speaking to me when I was 16 years old. The second time was when I was 18. The last time was when I was 44.
Cheryl: Were you raised in a Christian home?
Wayne: I was raised in a mixed home concerning religion. My mother believed in God and prayed. My father spoke of God but I never knew him to pray and never saw him go to church before or after the funeral service of my little sister in 1968. He talked about his view of God and how he perceived Him. He accepted Jesus as his Savior before he passed in 1996. I thank God for his salvation.
Cheryl: What events surrounded your first and subsequent encounters with Christ?
Wayne: I went to a youth meeting at the 1st Baptist church in Harleyville, S.C. They showed us a very graphic movie about people in Hell. It showed how they lived the results of their choices. I knew that was not where I wanted to be when I died. My second encounter was much different. I was attending an assembly of God church in Nashville, Tenn. I was staying with my uncle there. He committed suicide while I was staying with him. One of my co-workers got me involved with his church. During one of the services, the Holy Spirit seemed to fill the whole building. I felt being pulled to the altar to give God all that I had. The church prayed over me. I called on God to change me. At that time, I felt something within, but not sure what was happening.
Cheryl: What has happened in the years following your conversion?
Wayne: It has been unbelievable to me. It has been over 13 years since I made a decision to turn my whole life over to God. He has blessed me more than I deserve. All that I thought was destroyed, God has built new and better than I could have ever imagined.
Cheryl: Was there a time that you strayed since you started following Jesus?
Wayne: I have not strayed or walked away from the Lord since I left the overcomers program. I could not imagine living a day without God in my life.
Cheryl: How has surrendering your life to God affected your marriage? Your job? Your life in general?
Wayne: My wife and I can laugh with and at each other. There was a time when there was no laughter in our home. We still have disagreements, but we now work through them, instead of me running from them. I now realize it was not all her fault. LOL
I spent many years at work trying to gain respect from my co-workers and when I thought I deserved it the least, I got the most. I have a job now in middle management. There is a great story about my job. After being away from work for 7 months, my relationship with the plant was not exactly on good terms. I had failed one program before completing the Overcomers program. The Plant manager told me that he had never had an employee leave for 7 months and come back and keep their job, much less the position they held before leaving under the terms I left. But, I was given not just a job, but the same position I held before leaving. He said he could not tell me why he was doing it, because that was not his normal action of discipline in those types of circumstances. God had prepared him for me. I enjoy what I do today and am blessed God has me there.
Cheryl: How has surrendering your life to God affected your marriage? Your job? Your life in general?
Wayne: My wife and I can laugh with and at each other. There was a time when there was no laughter in our home. We still have disagreements, but we now work through them, instead of me running from them. I now realize it was not all her fault. LOL
I spent many years at work trying to gain respect from my co-workers and when I thought I deserved it the least, I got the most. I have a job now in middle management. There is a great story about my job. After being away from work for 7 months, my relationship with the plant was not exactly on good terms. I had failed one program before completing the Overcomers program. The Plant manager told me that he had never had an employee leave for 7 months and come back and keep their job, much less the position they held before leaving under the terms I left. But, I was given not just a job, but the same position I held before leaving. He said he could not tell me why he was doing it, because that was not his normal action of discipline in those types of circumstances. God had prepared him for me. I enjoy what I do today and am blessed God has me there.
Every day is a great day in the Lord. There are days that I am tired, days that satan just wails away at me, but my worst day today is a 1000 times better than my old way of living. No comparison.
Cheryl: When did you hit rock bottom and realize that a change had to be made?
Wayne: When my job told me to complete a program or be fired. My wife told me that she did not love me, but was not going to leave me, because God told her He had a plan for me.
Cheryl: Was there one defining moment that convinced you that things could not get any worse?
Wayne: I had failed an alcohol test at the program I was going through. The counselor asked me to be honest about what was going on. What was the truth. I remember telling her that I did not know the truth. I had lied to so many people for so long, I could not remember what was true and what was a lie. At that moment in my life I started to realize I did not know who I really was. I did not like who I had become, but I did not know how I could ever be any different.
Cheryl: What advice can you offer to the couple or person who is reading this whose marriage is in trouble and who is grasping for hope of restoration?
Cheryl: When did you hit rock bottom and realize that a change had to be made?
Wayne: When my job told me to complete a program or be fired. My wife told me that she did not love me, but was not going to leave me, because God told her He had a plan for me.
Cheryl: Was there one defining moment that convinced you that things could not get any worse?
Wayne: I had failed an alcohol test at the program I was going through. The counselor asked me to be honest about what was going on. What was the truth. I remember telling her that I did not know the truth. I had lied to so many people for so long, I could not remember what was true and what was a lie. At that moment in my life I started to realize I did not know who I really was. I did not like who I had become, but I did not know how I could ever be any different.
Cheryl: What advice can you offer to the couple or person who is reading this whose marriage is in trouble and who is grasping for hope of restoration?
Wayne: God has to be first in everything. If He is not first in all that we are, then what ever we put ahead of Him becomes ours. We claim possession of it. What belongs to us no longer belongs to God. Give everything to God, He will give it back abundantly.
Cheryl: Can you share the steps that God has personally taught you and brought you and your wife through?
Wayne: My wife gave me to God years before I was saved. Afterwards, I gave her to God. We live in a time when we believe that the value of who we are is based on what we have or own. Neither my wife nor my children belong to me. They are a gift from God and I am to be the best Christian husband and father that I can be. Make sure that God’s Word is spoken in the home, not just in the church. Pray together as a family. Listen to your children. They will tell you who you are, if you are willing to listen.
Cheryl: The life of a minister of the Gospel is one of great personal sacrifice. Many are called, but few make the choice to follow Christ so intimately. For many, the personal cost is beyond what they are willing to pay. Will you share with us about your personal call into the ministry?
Cheryl: Can you share the steps that God has personally taught you and brought you and your wife through?
Wayne: My wife gave me to God years before I was saved. Afterwards, I gave her to God. We live in a time when we believe that the value of who we are is based on what we have or own. Neither my wife nor my children belong to me. They are a gift from God and I am to be the best Christian husband and father that I can be. Make sure that God’s Word is spoken in the home, not just in the church. Pray together as a family. Listen to your children. They will tell you who you are, if you are willing to listen.
Cheryl: The life of a minister of the Gospel is one of great personal sacrifice. Many are called, but few make the choice to follow Christ so intimately. For many, the personal cost is beyond what they are willing to pay. Will you share with us about your personal call into the ministry?
Wayne: I was at men’s group meeting one night in 2007. The speaker that evening was preaching on serving the Lord. The more he spoke about serving, the more I made a list in my head of all that I was not doing and the more convicted I became. After his sermon, I went to the altar to answer God’s call to my life.
Cheryl: What was your first reaction?
Cheryl: What was your first reaction?
Wayne: I was scared. I knew what God wanted, but did not think I could follow through.
Cheryl: How did God prepare you ahead of time?
Cheryl: How did God prepare you ahead of time?
Wayne: By going to the overcomers. I spent what I believe was 7 months in seminary. I studied the Bible every day. I had men with great knowledge of God’s word and they knew how to teach it.
Cheryl: When did you know for certain that He was specifically calling you to preach, and how has your decision to follow Him to this level of consecration affected the other areas of your life?
Wayne: 1 month after I told God I would do whatever He wanted, a minister came to our church. He was the chairman for ministerial candidate mentors. He trained mentors to work with new candidates for ministry. Just a coincidence right!!! No, not for me. God was preparing me again for my next journey. I began to realize that God has prepared my path all through my life. I had to choose which path I was going to take. He has continued to open all kind of doors for me. I began teaching at Hebron Grace Home, a recovery program for women. My time past and going through a program made it easy for me to relate to what they were going through. I pray that my story may help them in some way.
Cheryl: Filling the role of a minister’s spouse also requires a deep level of dedication to God and personal sacrifice. There is much that goes on behind the scenes that only those who have walked a similar path can understand or even comprehend. How do the two of you find balance? What is some of the best advice you have been given by others who have mentored you, and how would you advise others who are feeling a similar call?
Wayne: Keep balance in your life. Do not give up your family for the call. It is easy to get caught up in helping others that you forget about helping your family. Take time each week to separate yourself from church work. Make a special time for family. Do not push your family to follow you where you go. Remember it is your call not theirs, but invite them to be a part of it. Let them join in when they are comfortable.
Cheryl: As a Christian who walks closely with Christ, will you share what he is revealing to you now, in this season? What is the current theme of thoughts He is laying upon your heart, both in your personal faith walk and the messages He is leading you to share with your congregation?
Wayne: BELIEF. As Methodists, we have a creed that we say every Sunday. In it is a list of what we believe. I wonder how many people really listen to what they are saying. I believe in one God, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe Jesus was crucified, died, was buried and arose on the third day. I BELIEVE that He is at the right hand of the Father. I believe He died for me. There are so many lies being told to people today to make them feel good about where they are in life, instead of challenging them to change.
Cheryl: We are living in a society that is becoming more and more hostile towards God and Christianity and Biblical principles. As a pastor, what do you feel are the most prominent threats we, as Christians, are facing in our culture, and how can we make an individual difference? How do you motivate your congregants to take courage and not lose heart in these dark days?
Wayne: I am most worried that people want to use the morals of the society they live in to determine if they are living right. Morals change, as we have seen in this country, but God does not. What was sin 10,000 years ago is the same sin today. I challenge myself first, and my congregants not to live morally but to live righteously.
Cheryl: What are some of your favorite personal go-to Scriptures…when you are discouraged, when satan reminds you of your past, when the cultural battleground seems too hard to overcome, and to strengthen your relationship with your wife? What parting words of encouragement can you offer us?
Wayne: I just recently did a sermon on this one. Psalm 23 :1 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. I was given a cute little story of a boy who could not memorize the 23rd Psalm. When it was time for him to recite the psalms, here was what he said, "The Lord is my shepherd and that is all that I need." You see, when He is your shepherd, your wants change. What I wanted before I knew Him, I no longer want.
My second choice is actually a passage ; Romans 7:15-31. It is the struggle with the spirit and the flesh. Paul shares the struggle of everyday life and how we have hope to overcome the sinful nature we are born in.
Cheryl: How can we pray for you and your wife? Are there specific requests you would like us to lift to the Father upon your behalf?
Cheryl: When did you know for certain that He was specifically calling you to preach, and how has your decision to follow Him to this level of consecration affected the other areas of your life?
Wayne: 1 month after I told God I would do whatever He wanted, a minister came to our church. He was the chairman for ministerial candidate mentors. He trained mentors to work with new candidates for ministry. Just a coincidence right!!! No, not for me. God was preparing me again for my next journey. I began to realize that God has prepared my path all through my life. I had to choose which path I was going to take. He has continued to open all kind of doors for me. I began teaching at Hebron Grace Home, a recovery program for women. My time past and going through a program made it easy for me to relate to what they were going through. I pray that my story may help them in some way.
Cheryl: Filling the role of a minister’s spouse also requires a deep level of dedication to God and personal sacrifice. There is much that goes on behind the scenes that only those who have walked a similar path can understand or even comprehend. How do the two of you find balance? What is some of the best advice you have been given by others who have mentored you, and how would you advise others who are feeling a similar call?
Wayne: Keep balance in your life. Do not give up your family for the call. It is easy to get caught up in helping others that you forget about helping your family. Take time each week to separate yourself from church work. Make a special time for family. Do not push your family to follow you where you go. Remember it is your call not theirs, but invite them to be a part of it. Let them join in when they are comfortable.
Cheryl: As a Christian who walks closely with Christ, will you share what he is revealing to you now, in this season? What is the current theme of thoughts He is laying upon your heart, both in your personal faith walk and the messages He is leading you to share with your congregation?
Wayne: BELIEF. As Methodists, we have a creed that we say every Sunday. In it is a list of what we believe. I wonder how many people really listen to what they are saying. I believe in one God, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe Jesus was crucified, died, was buried and arose on the third day. I BELIEVE that He is at the right hand of the Father. I believe He died for me. There are so many lies being told to people today to make them feel good about where they are in life, instead of challenging them to change.
Cheryl: We are living in a society that is becoming more and more hostile towards God and Christianity and Biblical principles. As a pastor, what do you feel are the most prominent threats we, as Christians, are facing in our culture, and how can we make an individual difference? How do you motivate your congregants to take courage and not lose heart in these dark days?
Wayne: I am most worried that people want to use the morals of the society they live in to determine if they are living right. Morals change, as we have seen in this country, but God does not. What was sin 10,000 years ago is the same sin today. I challenge myself first, and my congregants not to live morally but to live righteously.
Cheryl: What are some of your favorite personal go-to Scriptures…when you are discouraged, when satan reminds you of your past, when the cultural battleground seems too hard to overcome, and to strengthen your relationship with your wife? What parting words of encouragement can you offer us?
Wayne: I just recently did a sermon on this one. Psalm 23 :1 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. I was given a cute little story of a boy who could not memorize the 23rd Psalm. When it was time for him to recite the psalms, here was what he said, "The Lord is my shepherd and that is all that I need." You see, when He is your shepherd, your wants change. What I wanted before I knew Him, I no longer want.
My second choice is actually a passage ; Romans 7:15-31. It is the struggle with the spirit and the flesh. Paul shares the struggle of everyday life and how we have hope to overcome the sinful nature we are born in.
Cheryl: How can we pray for you and your wife? Are there specific requests you would like us to lift to the Father upon your behalf?
Wayne: Our children. That God keeps them safe and guides their way.
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A BIG thank you to Wayne for sharing with us here!
The power of our Lord is awesome and beyond anything you and I will ever be able to comprehend.
God is absolutely able to save to the uttermost, and His transforming power, so evident in Wayne's life, his marriage, and his ministry, is such an encouragement and inspiration to us all.
There is no level of brokenness that God cannot repair.
No matter how far we drift or run from Him, He stands with arms open wide,
waiting to welcome us into the fold and to use our lives and our past for His glory and the good of others.
I love to read stories of redemption, such as Wayne's.
May God bless Wayne, his dear wife, Terry, his children, and his ministry in ways beyond what any of them can even imagine.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us..."
Ephesians 3:20
I am abundantly blessed by knowing this precious couple and look forward to seeing what God accomplishes in their lives, as they continue to follow Him!
To read previous
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I enjoyed your interview with Wayne and reading his testimony. The redemptive, restorative power of our God is so great. It's so easy to lose hope in these troubling days, so I thank you for encouraging my heart today. Also, I was most impacted by Wayne's word: "I am most worried that people want to use the morals of the society they live in to determine if they are living right. Morals change, as we have seen in this country, but God does not. What was sin 10,000 years ago is the same sin today. I challenge myself first, and my congregants not to live morally but to live righteously." So very true! God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by, sweet friend. You know, after I read Wayne's interview to my husband, Kevin, he said the SAME thing. He LOVED what Wayne said about this. His interview made both of us cry...it was so moving and sincere. God bless him for standing firm and being faithful to the call God has placed upon his life. And, God bless you for your kind words!
DeleteDear Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteWith God there are no coincidences! Praise God for this divine appointment and for your following the Spirit's leading to interview this man of God! All who read the interview will be blessed indeed!
May you have a wonderful week in Him,
Laurie
Amen, and amen, dear Laurie! There is always a reason we are where we are...I often think of that and ask God to show me what it is that I am supposed to be doing. He is faithful to make it clear, as we seek Him with our whole heart. He couldn't have been more clear when He orchestrated our paths to cross and us to hear Wayne's testimony. He has been such a blessing to us, and I am so thankful his words blessed you, too! Thank you ever so much for reading and commenting. God bless you!
DeleteYeah, that was a great interview. I can hear Wayne's humility and heart, not an ounce of pride. When there is absence of pride, we always find our Father. I so appreciate the clear and concise wisdom. If God's not first there's a lesson a comin'.
ReplyDeleteThanks to the both of you. I really enjoyed this. Praying for the both of you.
That is exactly what Zach and I took away from our time with him. He is a very humble man, and that goes such a long with with God. He will not walk with the proud, but He dwells with those who stay low before Him, and He uses them mightily. You are so right...Wayne's words are packed with wisdom. I so appreciated all he said. So thankful you enjoyed it too, brother, and may God bless you for your prayers and faithful support.
DeleteWhat a strong testimony on his God works in people's life. He never gives up on us.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right...I am so thankful He doesn't give up on us. I would have been lost a long time ago, but He is so faithful. Thank you so much for reading, dear Kristina. You are such a consistent blessing to me. God bless you, in return. :)
Delete"God has to be first in everything."
ReplyDeleteSo many nuggets of wisdom in this interview -- thanks for coming up with such good questions.
Yes, indeed, there are many nuggets of wisdom in Wayne's words! I have really been pondering the things he said and gleaning good from it. So grateful for your visit, Michele! God bless you, my friend.
Delete"All that I thought was destroyed, God has built new and better than I could have ever imagined." Yes, Wayne, perfectly said.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time in my life when I wandered from the straight and narrow, and the resulting mess was beyond repair - I thought. But God. But GOD! He took the rubble and did indeed rebuild something new and better, far beyond what I thought was possible. Oh, He's so good! (Seems that The Cornerstone knows how to re-model!!)
This verse from Joel was spoken to me years ago, and I think it's an apt one for God's work of restoration:
"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten..." (Joel 2:25, NIV)
Yup. The *insects* never win when God is in the field!!
GOD BLESS!
Oh, bless your heart, Sharon. I loved reading your precious words this morning and knowing how God has worked in your life. I LOVE Joel 2:25! I find so much hope in those words! And, I love what you said at the end, "the insects never win when God is in the field". Such a wonderful way to put that. God bless you, dear friend!
DeleteAmazing how the stories vary but the heart of it all is the same. The Holy Spirit works in an awesome way in our lives.
ReplyDeleteSo true, sweet Lux! Thank you ever so much for reading and for your beautiful input. It is always a blessing to see that you have stopped by! God bless you. :)
DeleteCheryl - thank you so much for listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and sharing Wayne's story - many need to hear/read it and have hope that God has a purpose and is in the business of healing and restoration. Praying and lifting up Wayne's children as he has asked. Blessings, your neighbor at #Unite linkup
ReplyDeleteThank you ever so much, dear Debbie! I am most grateful for your visit and kind words. God is so faithful to us all. Sending you much love and gratitude for your encouragement today!
DeleteThanks so much for sharing this powerful story to inspire and remind us of God's fierce love for us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, dear Pam. "God's fierce love for us"...I love the way you worded that! God bless you abundantly!
DeleteThis is a great testimony.Very encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for your sweet visit, Stella, and so grateful your heart was encouraged! God bless you!
DeleteThank you for sharing this amazing testimony with us here at Tell me a Story. God is raising up broken men (and women) whom He has put back together again, to preach and teach the gospel. I thank God for these recovery programs such as the "Overcomers Program" that will lead a person to Christ, then stabilize and ground them in the Word, as well as encourage them to live a righteous life.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the way God uses our brokenness...how He redeems it for His glory. Thank you ever so much for your support and encouraging words, Hazel. :)
DeleteA powerful and encouraging story of the mercy of the Lord and His redeeming power in our lives! Such a beautiful testimony of a wife who prayed until she saw the answer come! What an incredible testimony to hear today, and I'm so thankful that you were able to meet this man, and share his story - to God be the Glory!!! I'm so thankful for this series that you are doing, and how encouraging it is to see men and women giving their all to serve the Lord! Many hugs and love sent your way today dear friend!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, many hugs and much love sent back your way, my friend! You are a continual encouragement to me, and how I thank God for that gift! May He bless you abundantly, in return. I am praying for you in your current battles. God be especially near to you and bless you abundantly!
DeleteThank you for sharing another great testimony! A life dedicated to God is a powerful thing!
ReplyDeleteIt surely is, my friend. Thank you SO much for reading and for being such a dear encouragement. God bless you abundantly!
Delete