God Is Faithful; He Is Enough!
Written by Marlon Ellerby, Deerfoot Campus Member
Looking back over my life, there are 3 words that are so true: God is faithful.
So many times He has saved me. I have been in 4 major car accidents, losing my best friend and 2 other friends, who to this day need braces on their legs. I have had a stroke, a heart attack, lost my hearing in my right ear, and last year needed open heart surgery to fix my widow maker valve.
One thing is constant in my life, and that is God is keeping me here for a purpose. If it’s for my wife, kids and grandkids, then I am blessed beyond measure. If it’s something beyond the family, I trust He is paving the way.
Growing up in a Christian home, like most testimonies start, I was saved at a young age. Then I went through a stage of being a terrible brat. But no matter what I was doing or what I was into, I was always aware that God was close by. I spent quite a few years ignoring that.
A few years passed, and I finally realized I am nothing without Him. In my marriage, my work, my fatherhood and grandfatherhood, I am nothing without His direction and grace.
I am now at a stage in my life that I am ready for what He has in store next. Retiring is scary! It is stressful because I have worked since I was 14 years old. But I am going to step out and trust the same God who has looked after me this far, and is still here.
Our journey over the past few years at FAC has been so good for my walk with Jesus. I needed to find a place, although it may sound selfish, where I could sit in-service and not feel that I needed to lead, whether it be worship, etc. During this time, I have been healing through my burnout and have been renewed in Jesus, and He has given me new life. I am very thankful, and I am listening to find out what He has for me next.
Coming out of a career in the oil & gas industry, I feel God is directing me to give back. I have some thoughts on how, but I will see if it’s me or Him directing those thoughts. It can be a tough industry, but I see it all the time where people are looking for more.
I have really learned over the years that the lifestyle attached with the industry is so temporary. And that chasing money is only such a letdown and it is never enough. Once I do retire, I want to share with others in the industry: God is enough!
Thank you, Marlon, for sharing your story!
