Episode Summary:
If you have ever felt hopeless, helpless, or worthless, if you have ever felt like giving up the fight and ending it all, then today is the perfect show for you. If you’ve ever considered attempting suicide or lived following a failed suicide attempt, you’ll want to hear our guest’s story in this episode.
In this episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, I talk with my guest, Rob Decker, who shares very candidly about his failed suicide attempt, and how he has found hope for a better life. Rob shares his story about growing up in a dysfunctional home, watching his parents model poor choices with drugs and alcohol, his own history of substance abuse, and finally culminating in a failed suicide attempt.
Then Rob shares how, despite his upbringing and his own poor choices, he has found hope and is living a joy-filled, hopeful life, and how you can too.
Watch on YouTube:
Quotables from the Episode:
- Even when our earthly parents reject or abandon us, God is our Heavenly Father and He will take care of us.
- God is our Father, and because of that, we can know everything will be okay.
- Christ still heals today, and He could simply touch us and heal us, but sometimes we learn more through the process and become closer to Him as a result.
- Despite the difficult circumstances we go through, the only way we can find freedom is to forgive.
- So often God uses our trials, our tribulation, our childhood, our experiences to help someone else.
- Find your peace in God and know that He has a purpose for your life. He has great things planned for your life. He will carry you through the trials. Find your hope in Him. He won’t let you down.
- The best decision you can make is to make Jesus Christ your Lord.
- It’s also important to make the decision to take care of yourself. Exercise, eat right, get enough rest, surround yourself by like-minded individuals who really care about your well-being, and do things that bring you joy.
Scripture References:
- Psalm 27:13 “I would be in despair if I did not believe I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
- Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.”
- Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
Recommended Resources: (If there are affiliate links in this post, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you)).
- I Have a Confession: I’m a Christian and I was Suicidal
- The Sadness Behind Suicide
- Suicide: There’s Another Way
- Yes, Even Christians Get Depressed, but There is Hope!
- This Thing Called Depression: Signs and Symptoms
- 10 Bible Verses When Depressed
- 15 Ways to Help a Depressed Husband or Wife
- Dear Patient, Now I Understand
- 5 Promises From God To The Patient I Didn’t Meet
- “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
- “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
Social Media Links for Host and Guest:
To connect with Rob Decker:
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Guest: Rob Decker
Rob experienced a failed suicide attempt that led to a relationship with God. He suffered through many years of sadness, anger and confusion and fed that with drugs, alcohol and bad relationships. To God’s glory, his eventually turned into a story of forgiveness, understanding and love. Rob desires to inspire, encourage and give hope to those who are experiencing similar battles.
Radio Air Date: September 2, 2019
Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson
I was in awe as I listened to Rob’s testimony! Oh my goodness, his life was such a mess and yet Father has turned that messed up life into a powerful message of HOPE, FULFILLMENT and a PASSION for JESUS!! I cried, I rejoiced, I was so sad for him and then he ended with a precious compassionate and HOPEFUL message of deliverance, peace and joy. Thank you Dr. MIchelle for sharing this episode and thank you, Rob, for sharing your life, heart, struggles and victory with us!! I am a life that was changed and impacted by your message!!! Giving God ALL the Glory!!
Karen,
Yes, Rob’s story is another one of redemption. And what the enemy intended for harm, God has used for good and for His glory.
So many beautiful truths here. I appreciate people who are brave and share their stories. It helps all of us, both those who have gone through something similar and those who need to better understand. “Despite the difficult circumstances we go through, the only way we can find freedom is to forgive.” Amen.
Lisa,
I always find others’ stories to help me grow in some way. I pray that what we share here encourages others.
Wow. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by Colleen.
Thank you for sharing such precious stories of hope in the Lord! Amen.
You’re so welcome Bettie. That’s my heart’s desire. Without Him, we have no hope. What the world is longing for is some kind of hope. May they find it in Him.
Only Jesus gives hope! Thank for sharing this story. Blessings!
You’re right. He is our only hope.
Such a needy topic. Thank you for sharing your story Rob. I know it will help many!
Tweeted & pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!