Alex’s story

Patiently waiting on God

I was born into a middle-class family with a mother, father and sister. I went to a Catholic school and attended church on Sundays.

I was timid at school and wasn’t really into sport. I always wanted connection and acceptance. I searched and tried many different social circles, trying to find acceptance.

I became reckless. I soon found acceptance in drinking and using substances. It gave me a feeling of connection I had been craving all along. Substances helped me at the start. They gave me the social life I sought after, but it didn’t last.

My brain was starting to take a hit, and it couldn’t handle the abuse I was putting myself through with the substances I was putting into my body. Life was falling apart, and I had my first suicide attempt in 2014.
Nine years have passed, and I have tried so many ways to get a clear mind and live a sober life off of substances – medication, psychologists, psychiatrists, 12-step fellowships, counsellors, relationships, fitness and work.

I wanted to run! I was looking to attend a rehab facility in Victoria because I wanted a fresh start. God had different plans. I ended up at Teen Challenge SA! I was under the impression I was going to fix myself. Get myself fit again, find a job and house and get back to life. About three months in, I started reading the Bible and searching for truth. I was tapering off medication and was finding comfort in the word of God, prayer, the Bible, and worship. These things gave me the comfort I was searching for my whole life. I started building my relationship with the Lord.

I was getting itchy feet at five months and wanted to get on with it! Recovery was tiring. I remember being in the garden every Friday and seeing the time it took for the plant to grow. God wasn’t finished working on me yet.

Psalm 37:7 says, ‘Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes’.

Two months ago, God spoke to me through a resident here at Teen Challenge SA, who suggested I apply for a job at a Christian radio station. I wasn’t interested, but he mentioned it again, and, in faith, I applied for the job. God’s provision is amazing. I got the job, and now I am ready to start living a life filled with his Spirit in me.

Ephesians 3:20 says, ‘God can do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us’.

Patience
I wanted to run; my life was no longer fun.
I buried my head in the sand; God had a different plan.
I trusted in his word; my old thoughts were soon deferred.
I tried to follow his way, no matter my feelings on the day.
I waited on him, and he blessed me with a grin.
Forever I’m thankful, O Lord.