LIFE IN THE ORPHANAGE
Coe remained at the orphanage for eight years. During this time, he knew very little about God. When he turned seventeen, he started to drink and carouse, and before long, he had become an alcoholic, just like his father. There were times during his enslavement to alcohol when Coe sought to know God. But every person he knew at the church he attended on occasion lived an uncommitted life. No one had the answers he was searching for. And so, he sank more deeply into sin. Soon, Coe’s health began to suffer. He had developed ulcers in his stomach due to excessive alcohol consumption, and his heart was beating twice as fast as the normal rate. The doctor cautioned him that the next drink could kill him. Still not knowing God, he wondered who could help him keep this commitment.
A CRY FOR HELP
This led him to move to California. His sister invited him to a dance. But soon, Coe found himself at the bar. He was brought home that night in a drunken stupor. He cried out, “GOD, GIVE ME UNTIL SUNDAY!” The next evening, Coe thought he was dying. He raised his hands, pleading, “Oh God, don’t let me die; please give me one more chance. I don’t want to go to hell.” Then suddenly, Coe got better.
TURNING POINT
He moved to Fort Worth, Texas, and got a job as a manager. One day after he returned from drinking, at about 3:00 a.m., trying to sleep, he reached for another pint of whiskey. Then he heard a voice. “This is your last chance,” the voice said. “I’ve called you several times, and I’m calling you now for the last time.” Coe fell to his knees, crying, “Oh God, give me until Sunday. If You’ll just give me until Sunday, I’ll get right with You.”
BORN AGAIN EXPERIENCE
At 5:00 p.m., he went to his office and opened a phone book. His eyes fell on a Nazarene church and he headed there. After the sermon, the preacher asked, “We have a born-again experience for you.” Coe ran to the altar shouting, “That’s what I want! That’s what I want!” He felt something and ran around shouting, “Hot dog. I’ve got it! Hot dog, I’ve got it!”
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
Later, his hunger for God only grew. He attended church every night and devoured his Bible. His mother, worried by his behaviour, finally said, “We’re going with you tonight to find out what they’ve done to you.” At the altar, she prayed, “Oh God, give me what Jack’s got.” Then suddenly, she rose in tears saying, “Jack! I’ve got it! I’ve got it!”
To be continued…
Tale Tuesday 140
Date: 29th July, 2025
Title: : Jack Coe The Man of Reckless Faith part 2
Source: God’s Generals-Jack Coe
Author: Robert Liardon
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