On this day 20 years ago, I sat down with a New Testament and began to read the book of Revelation, it is the last book in the Bible. Somewhere between the 4th and the 7th of July, God got a hold of my heart.

I can't really explain the experience I had, except to say that I finally realized that I had to choose to either serve my flesh and its desires or serve someone who would clean me up and set my feet on a sturdy foundation.

I quietly said to God in my heart, "Okay, I submit to you." That was all. After that, I read the entire book of Revelation everyday for the first week, and then I moved on to read roughly half of the books in the Bible in the first 6 weeks, I also prayed three times a day. Through reading his word and prayer, God gave me the strength and courage to live for him.

I have been sober ever since. It hasn't always been easy, sometimes it has been down right difficult. But it was a difficult life as a drunk too. Either way life is hard. The thing is, I didn't and don't have to do it on my own, I have his help and his wisdom to keep me steady.

20 years of sobriety, I can only give glory to Christ and Christ alone!

Congratulations! pdsdville · 2008-07-09: 00:50

congrates... Askrubies · 2008-07-09: 00:58

That is fantastic, since I seem to have trouble getting one year without giving in. I'm jealous and proud of you all in one. Congrats and here is to 20 more. Have you been hiding lately? joycephotography · 2008-07-09: 01:01

Congratulations!! :)) jennye · 2008-07-09: 07:04

That's wonderful- I'm very proud of you!!! R urmysunshine · 2008-07-09: 08:21

HUGE achievement....Congratulations, and thanks for sharing your story. It takes courage to talk about our pasts. Hopefully in doing so someone else will find strength for their own situation. DancingDolphin · 2008-07-09: 08:52

Congratulations! God is great! ambersunsets · 2008-07-09: 09:46

:):):) Yueren · 2008-07-09: 11:57

Congratulations. The Lord set you free and may He continue to walk with you all the days of your life. paintbox · 2008-07-09: 15:16

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing. :) vollenda · 2008-07-09: 15:57

Well done...a fantastic achievement! cariad · 2008-07-09: 18:34

congrats my freind mojaroo · 2008-07-09: 20:50

Congratulations!! sendao · 2008-07-09: 21:33

Congratulations—I'm certain that your testimony will be of great value to someone you don't even know. photopoet · 2008-07-09: 22:04

Congratulations on your walk with God and being sober for 20 years. I love the honesty and power of this post! Thanks also for the recent friend's invite!!! MHJphotos · 2008-07-09: 23:03

Congrats!!!!!! I had 12 years on 6-16. :) TheCrazyCroat · 2008-07-10: 00:10

BRAVO... zmayd · 2008-07-10: 02:40

Congratulations! neffijer · 2008-07-12: 07:56

Congratulations! Having alcoholics in my family I know the courage and strength it takes to stay sober. What a wonderful achievement! Again, congratulations!!!!! oldbabe · 2008-07-12: 18:03

How wonderful ~ our God is an awesome God!! Thank you for sharing your testimony ~ I'm sure countless others will be blessed by it!! And Congratulations on your 20 years of sobriety!!!! pzf64 · 2008-07-14: 11:01

Tagged: 20 years of sobriety glory to god