Hope behind bars

God has been opening doors in a local prison for Liam Husband

If you’d told me 19 years ago that I’d be able to walk in and out of prison on the same day with a set of keys, I wouldn’t have been able to believe you.

Just recently though, over the last year, God has been opening doors for me into a local prison, and I was also invited by my good friend to join him where he serves. Roger once worked in the rehab where I first met Jesus. Back then, he helped disciple me in the early days of my faith. Now, years later, we stood side by side in a prison chapel.

Normally, they get around 25 inmates for chapel sessions. That day, 35 came. Some were let in early, which never happens. It felt like God had cleared the way. I didn’t give a polished talk. I just told them the truth about my addiction, my brokenness, and how Jesus saved me. Some guys nodded, some simply stared at the floor. It’s always hard to gauge how your messages are being received.

After the service, I was able to chat for a short time. The guys love to chat, to tell you about themselves, to share their stories and how they ended up in jail. They share their hearts and their dreams for the future. They share their hopes.

These guys need to hear they are loved, that they are not beyond hope. That’s why I went to share the hope I have in Jesus.

Sometimes we think we need a platform or perfect words. We don’t. We need honesty. We need obedience. We need to show up and tell the truth about what Jesus has done.

Your story matters. Someone needs to hear it. Who are you sharing it with? Don’t wait for the perfect moment. God opens doors, even in prisons. Be ready to walk through them.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.