Josh was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 16 years in prison. During those years, he prayed for death on two occasions.
Wrongfully convicted
Without DNA, blood type, fingerprint, palm print, weapon, or a paper trail, Josh was convicted of murder. A false testimony and a fabricated story were all it took for Josh to be imprisoned.
“On two occasions, I prayed for death,” he said. “Not because I was hopeless, because I just– I’ve gotten tired. I didn’t want to wake up another day in prison.”
Dealing with the conflict in his own heart about the lies told about him has been like a long wrestling match with God, the world, and himself. Josh felt he was still in that match, and it’s never-ending. But before his trial, Josh gave his life to Christ. His spiritual rebirth was the only thing that got him through the years of injustice during his time in prison.
Wanting Freedom
“I have to focus on God’s narrative of my life more than the other narratives. And what He says about me, who I am in the eyes of my Father in heaven, who I am in Christ,” he said.
God helped Josh get rid of the anger in his heart. Eventually, he was able to forgive those responsible for his confinement.
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“To really be free in prison for a crime you didn’t commit, you have to address forgiveness. When Christ forgives me, He restores me. I’m given a plan, a purpose, and an opportunity to start over every day,” he said.
Josh took it to his prayer closet and wrestled with God. He allowed Him to do whatever He had to do in his life, to let it all go or to take it from him.
“So that I can show these men the love of Christ,” he said.
Free After 16 Years In Prison
While being set free from anger and unforgiveness, he would also be set free physically. Josh received a legitimate innocence ruling during his latest hearing, which went beyond being found not guilty. He was freed and redeemed.
Even in the darkest, most horrible, and evil cells, God can reach down, change, and embrace a man. He transforms us. The old Josh has died, but the new Josh lives on in Christ.
“This story offered me an opportunity, and offers me an opportunity, to share Christ in a much more powerful and wider range than I could ever have imagined or dreamed. In a case that has so much darkness, the only light that shines is the forgiveness of Christ. That He’s demonstrated through me for others,” Josh said.
Reference: The 700 Club
Header image: Josh testifying [The 700 Club]. YouTube, 4 November 2023, https://youtu.be/Z2tppkjBUtM