We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Although Pastor Olman has seen many miracles during his Christian life, he also recognizes that the enemy is also there to steal, kill and destroy. Just two years after becoming a Christian, he came under attack from the enemy, and he felt cornered. The assault was so fierce, he succumbed to depression and started feeling he had come to the final days of his life. He was ready to quit living by committing suicide.
Pastor Olman had started to hear voices clearly telling him to kill himself. Around that time, he also developed a fear of knives, thinking he may use them to commit suicide. He took medicines for three months, but they were not much help. This crisis was very big. He continued hearing voices and when he was with people these voices kept telling him to kill them.
He truly thought it was the end. And he even had stopped going to church, but he finally asked God that if He exists to prove that He is real. At that moment he had a strong feeling that he had to go to church. When he went, the preacher had a word that was just for him. The message was “If you have problems, God has the solution.” After hearing this, Pastor Olman went up to the altar and God did a miracle in his life. For three months he was without peace, but at the altar he started feeling the peace of Jesus, and within a week, he was in complete peace. At last, he was free.
The righteous cry, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18
Later, he heard the voices again, but Christ had given him strength, so he was able to resist the devil through God’s power. He may have been afflicted, but he was not crushed as God was his strength.
The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
Pastor Olman can now look back at that time and say that God does not give us more burdens than we can bear. For three months he was incapable of moving around. Practically immobilized, he could not go to church. But, from this experience he learned that God is a restorer, and He did not waste this painful situation. The Lord gave him beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (See Isaiah 61:3). Pastor Olman is fully aware that God allowed him to go through this trial and to triumph so that he can now help others in a similar situation and point them to the One who can lighten their burdens and give them rest for their souls.
“Come to Me, all [who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Following this incident, Pastor Olman enjoyed going to church and reading the Bible. He would speak about the Bible and preach, all while God was creating in him a heart of compassion for those who had spiritual and physical needs. The Lord was preparing him for the next chapter of his life. And because of all he has been through he can now tell the oppressed that although they may be struck down, they will not be destroyed when they are in Christ Jesus.
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