God Was Always There — Even When I Could Not See Him
- Elisabeth H. Drew
- Dec 22, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 8
Why Testimonies Matter
Christian testimonies are powerful because they point beyond ourselves and reveal the faithfulness of God at work in real lives. A testimony is not about perfection; it is about transformation. Through personal stories of struggle, redemption, and hope, God uses testimonies to encourage hearts, strengthen faith, and remind others that they are not alone.
Scripture shows us that God often works through lived experiences to reveal His glory and draw others to Himself. When we share what God has done, we become witnesses of His grace, mercy, and patience.
Revelation 12:11 They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood,and because of the word of their testimony.They didn’t love their life, even to death.
Testimonies remind us that God is present even when life feels broken, confusing, or out of control. They show how God patiently walks with us through seasons of wandering and faithfully leads us back to Himself in His perfect timing.
In this article, titled God Was Always There — Even When I Could Not See Him, you will discover the testimony of Mason Flagg, shared in his own words—a journey of preservation, redemption, and surrender to Jesus Christ, revealing how God was at work through every season of his life.
Mason Flagg — A Personal Testimony of Faith
God Was Always There — Even When I Could Not See Him
Looking back over my life, I can clearly see that God was always there with me—through many situations, many valleys, and even in moments where I did not acknowledge Him. Even when I was running from God, He was never absent. His hand was quietly at work, protecting me, guiding me, and preserving my life.
Psalm 139:7–8 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?If I ascend up into heaven, you are there.If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there.
Even in seasons when I did not recognize His presence, God was faithfully writing a story of redemption that would one day lead me back to Him.
Teenage Years — Lost, Broken, Yet Preserved by God
As a teenager, I was deeply involved in drugs and drinking and was clearly not heading in the right direction. During that time, I attempted to take my own life. I failed—and today, I am certain that God intervened. I believe He stopped the electricity from passing through my body and spared my life.
Even when I had no strength, no hope, and no understanding of God’s love, He was there, holding my life in His hands.
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,but Yahweh delivers him out of them all.
Though my life was headed toward destruction, God’s mercy intervened, preserving me for a future I could not yet imagine.
Wandering Years — God Opening Doors Again and Again
In my late teen years, I stopped the heavy drugs but continued with lower-grade substances and drinking. I had a good job and stayed somewhat clean. Later, I traveled to a southern Midwest state with a friend. We ran out of money and had to start working. Eventually, I ended up with the wrong people, no job, and no money. There were no cell phones back then, and I was stuck.
Yet again, God opened a door. I was able to return to my home state and go back to the company I had previously worked for. I had a lot of backpedaling to do, but God made a way.
Revelation 3:7 These things says he who is holy, he who is true…who opens and no one shuts, and who shuts and no one opens.
Even while I was wandering and making poor choices, God remained faithful—opening doors I could not open for myself and leading me back to safety.
A Divine Encounter — God Meets Me Where I Least Expected
One night, in a club called The Sanctuary, of all places, I met two missionary women who had just returned from the mission field. I was certainly not in the right mindset, but God was still working on me.
Over time, I joined their church and was baptized. I believed that following God meant strict rules—no drinking, drugs, smoking, caffeine, or sex. At first, it seemed easy. I got involved, even leading Cub Scout classes. Things appeared to be going well.
Romans 5:8 But God commends his own love toward us,in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Even in a place where I least expected to encounter God, He reached me with grace, showing that His love meets us exactly where we are and calls us forward in His perfect timing.
Injury, Backsliding, and Leaving the Church
Then came a car accident. I spent seven weeks in the hospital and several months recovering at home. During that season, I began to backslide—first cigarettes, then drinking, and eventually leaving the church altogether.
I returned to old friends, later married, and had children. Even though I drifted far, I now know God never left. He remained present through job changes, college courses, and the responsibilities of family life.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
Though I drifted away during this season of pain and recovery, God remained faithful—walking with me through every step, even when I chose to walk away from Him.
Valleys Upon Valleys — Yet God Still Faithful
Later, we moved to the west coast. I went through a divorce and then suffered a heart attack. These were deep valleys—painful, lonely, and confusing. But looking back now, I see that God was there in all of it.
Eventually, I moved back to the east coast for better work, remarried, and began working for the company I would later retire from.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil; for you are with me.
Through loss, illness, and uncertainty, God remained my constant—faithfully sustaining me through every valley and carrying me forward into a new season of life.
A Quiet Calling — God Draws Me Back to His Word
As I started to give back to the community, I was led to join the Freemasonry fraternity, as my father had been a member for many years. During one meeting, there was a skit about Joseph from the Bible.
That moment stayed with me. I felt God wanted me to look up the story. I bought a Bible and began reading it every morning—first thing every day. I still do.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth,but you shall meditate on it day and night.
Through a quiet and unexpected moment, God gently drew my heart back to His Word, planting a daily desire to seek Him and listen to His voice.
Full Circle — Reading the Word to My Mother
Years later, I found myself reading the Bible to my mother while she was in the nursing home where she and my father lived. As a child, I remembered how she used to read the Bible every afternoon.
Eventually, my mother passed away.
Eight days later, something extraordinary happened.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season,and a time for every purpose under heaven.
What began as a childhood memory came full circle, as God used His Word to bring comfort, connection, and purpose during a sacred season of farewell.
Surrender — Giving My Life to Jesus
While riding my bicycle down a familiar road, I noticed a church on the left-hand side—one I had never seen before. I turned around and went back. I sat on a rock in the parking lot and gave my life to Jesus.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and the sky was perfectly blue. That day marked the true beginning of my life in Christ.
Romans 10:9 That if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lordand believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,you will be saved.
In a quiet moment of surrender, my life was forever changed as I placed my trust in Jesus, marking the true beginning of a new life in Him.
Growing in Faith — Serving Through the Church
I began attending that church regularly. A few years later, I attended a conference hosted by The Voice of the Martyrs in Rochester, New York, where missionaries shared powerful testimonies of persecution and steadfast faith under suffering.
Later, while listening to VOM Radio, I heard about the founder of the Bible app and how it was connected to Life.Church. I looked it up, began attending, signed up as a host, and eventually started a Life Group/Bible study—something I continue to do today.
Matthew 28:19–20 Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you.
As my faith continued to grow, God gently led me from learning to serving—using my journey to encourage others and faithfully pointing me toward a life of discipleship.
God Is Good — All Glory Belongs to Him
Through addiction, despair, wandering, loss, restoration, and calling, one truth remains: God is good. He was present even when I did not see Him. He preserved my life, drew me back to His Word, and led me home.
May God have all the glory.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do,do all to the glory of God.
Looking back over every season of my life, I can say with confidence that it was God alone who carried me, redeemed me, and deserves all the glory for the work He has done.
Encouraging Others in Their Faith
Mason’s story is a reminder that testimonies are powerful tools for encouragement. When we share what God has done in our lives, we offer hope to those who may be struggling. Mason now speaks openly about his journey, emphasizing that God was always there, even when he could not see Him.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our affliction,that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction,through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
His testimony encourages others to:
Trust God during times of doubt
Look for God’s presence in everyday moments
Understand that transformation is a process, not perfection
By sharing our stories, we become witnesses to God’s grace, mercy, and patience.
Last Thoughts — The Power of Sharing What God Has Done
Every testimony matters. Whether dramatic or quiet, long or short, each story of God’s work carries purpose. God uses testimonies not only to remind us of where He has brought us from, but also to encourage others who may still be walking through valleys of uncertainty, pain, or searching.
When we share our testimony, we are not glorifying our past—we are glorifying God’s faithfulness. Our stories become reflections of His grace and living reminders that no life is beyond His reach.
Psalm 66:16 Come, and hear, all you who fear God.I will declare what he has done for my soul.
If God has worked in your life and you feel led to share your testimony, I would be honored to hear it.
Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to read today.
You are welcome to send your testimony by email to info@hopewithelisabeth.com
Psalm 115:1 Not to us, Yahweh, not to us,but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth’s sake.
May all testimonies point back to Jesus Christ, and may God receive all the glory.
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