Walker Hayes shared in a recent interview with Fox News how his life was transformed by Christ after previously battling with alcoholism and atheism. One of the key pieces to shaping his walk with Jesus was also one of his most heartbreaking as his family experienced a tragic loss when his seventh child died.
It was during this incredibly difficult time that Hayes’ close friend, Craig, supported him and encouraged him to grow in his faith.
“Most people would be drawn away from me,” Hayes said. “You know I lost a kid; I have nothing going on musically, I’m an alcoholic. I’m great at pushing people away, and so then here comes this guy named Craig who was drawn nearer to me, and it was quite confusing.”
Like country music star, Granger Smith, the loss of a child tested Hayes’ faith, and brought him into a deeper relationship with God. And throughout the process it was his trusted friend who helped carry him through.
“In the long run, I honestly found out he’s just as broken as me, but he knows Jesus,” Hayes told Fox.
Prior to Hayes’ friendship with Craig, he found himself battling severe alcoholism, atheism and even lost his record label deal. Over time, Hayes was able to see God for who He really is and why he needed Him to take control of his life.
“You can’t wake up and make a list of your good deeds. Even that list is self-righteous,” Hayes said. “No one is good…and the answer is Christ.”
Hayes’ testimony is one of many where God pulled someone out of sin’s treacherous waters just when they needed it. Deliverance warrior Tai Locke found herself reaching out to Christ after a drug overdose and her life was radically changed by God’s presence. Even renowned pastor and author Greg Laurie was mired in sorrow when his son was tragically killed in a car accident. It is all about the response to tragedy that makes a difference.
Revelation 12:11 reminds us that it is by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony that we are overcomers. We have the choice to either lean in and believe what the Scriptures say, or look around at the circumstances the world throws at us. Whether we allow God to take our ashes and turn them around for good is something we each must decide for ourselves.
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Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator for Charisma Media.
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