suddenly, a stranger

"My mother told me never to do this." -Jim Holsey, "The Hitcher"

A recent film release has reminded me of the changes the Lord has brought about in my life in the past 10 years, and made me ponder a few "what if" questions for myself...

The horror remake of "The Hitcher," based on the 1986 film release, has recently hit theatres. As you might imagine, the new version is considerably gorier than it’s predecessor. I don’t plan to see it, but I read some reviews out of curiosity. You see, I loved the original version of this film. It played frequently as a television edit for many years, and I once had a copy on VHS.

Shortly after becoming a Christian, I rediscovered the tape and thought, “Oh yeah, I really like this film.” So I watched it. To my absolute shock and surprise, I was utterly disgusted by the entire thing. I felt like I was watching a completely different movie. But, in reality, I was a completely different person.

This, for me, is an amazing personal example of God's power to change. Nobody told me to hate a movie I once loved. Nobody was standing over my shoulder with any threats or religious rhetoric. Things were just suddenly different in a way I could not explain—and many who knew me couldn't understand.

Romans 12:2 reads, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

That renewing comes from Him. Those changes come by the Holy Spirit, not by us. I’d still be the same as I was, and probably much worse, if He hadn’t stopped me.

I shudder to think what I would be like now if I didn’t truly know God. I am incredibly thankful to the Lord for all He’s protected me from over the years, even during the times when I, like Jim Holsey, chose to play the fool and ignore the warnings of others.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction." -Proverbs 1:7