Art Covington

I have a testimony of victory. My story is that God changed a vile, gambling, drunken logger, and gave him a life above sin.

I had listened to only one testimony—that of my wife—and I refused to hear it again. God made a wonderful change in her life, and she said she was going to start going to church and training the children for the Lord. I told her it was all right with me if that is what she wanted, but to leave me alone. I didn’t want it.

She soon learned to leave me alone, but she went on her knees for me. Our home was divided, but she wouldn’t leave, and I couldn’t find it in my heart to walk out. God kept that home together. It was a miserable life for me. I don’t think anyone is more miserable than the man who is refusing to serve God.

I dropped to my knees again, and in less than five minutes I had peace and joy.

After more than three years, I found myself in church listening to a Sunday school program. I planned to leave when it was over, but they announced a worship service to follow, so I stayed. The message was about the birth of Christ, but I didn’t hear much of it. My mind was on the testimonies I had heard, and I was thinking about my sins. They ran before me like pictures on a screen.

When the minister asked if anyone wanted to pray, my hand went up. He said, “Now will you follow that up and let us pray with you?” I pushed my way out into the aisle and went to the altar to pray. I dropped on my knees but couldn’t pray. All I could see were my sins—even things I had forgotten. I started to get up and leave.

I knew the minister well and had learned to love and respect him.  He came and put his hand on mine, looked me straight in the eye. He asked, “Why don’t you pray until you are satisfied?”  I dropped to my knees again, and in less than five minutes I had peace and joy. Why? Because I gave up to Jesus.

I went back to the logging camp. I had made up my mind that I didn’t care what the men thought of me. I was going through with Jesus. He kept me true. On Sunday I would drive 23 miles to take my family to church. God gave me love for the people in the church. It has lasted. God has never disappointed me. I have joy in the Lord that endures.