Normal Days As I look back over the past 48 years of my life, I can see multiple staples, or should I say “ear marks” of God’s greatness in this writer’s life. Times when I knew without a doubt that it was God and only God’s power and grace that saved me from a situation, bailed me out or brought me through.

In 2003, my little sister Amanda, was brought back to life after being pronounced dead twice.

In 2008, my parents were about to lose thier house and everything they owned, but days before they were to be thrown out, $11,000 (the exact amount they needed to pay off their second mortgage) arrived in the mail. And then there was the miracle of my death sentence being overturned in 2018.

I compare these types of miracles to the miracles like the Red Sea crossing by the Children of Israel. Or water gushing out of a rock after it was struck by the rod in Moses’ hand. Or Lazurus being raised from the dead by Jesus. We look at all these situations and we know without a doubt it was the almighty power of God that performed these miracles. Earmarks of God’s greatness.

It’s hard to believe it's almost been eight years since I was released from death row.

It was a “normal day” on death row when I recieved a call from an officer telling me I had an attorney visit. A few minutes later, I was handcuffed and brought to the vivitation room. Shortly after, my attorney strolls in waving some papers and happily informs me that my death sentence was overturned and soon I would be sent to another prison. Exodus 14:16 16But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. Within a few days, my attorney’s words came true.

My death sentence was overturned and I was shipped off to Hays State Prison. When I arrived at Hays State Prison, I settled into a “normal life”.

I got a job working in the segregation unit of the prison . I had the daily tasks of serving trays, passing out laundry, cleaning showers and mopping floors. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and months turned into years.

After six years of being at Hays, I was sick and tired of that prison.

My family knew it, God knew it and everyone around me knew that I was ready for a change but I didn’t know how to leave.

And then on my birthday, August 1, 2024, God shipped me to Macon State Prison. This is where I reside now.

I believe with all my heart that the reason I was shipped on my birthday was for God to let me know that He has total control of my life. EVERY STEP! Psalms 37:23-24 23 The steps of a good man are ]ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

God has been with me every step of the way.

Some days I feel close to Him and some days I don’t.

Some days I hear a word from Him and some days I don't,

Some day Heaven seems like brass. Some days I can see Him actively working in my life ;and other days it looks like nothing is happening.

Job 23:8-10 8 Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; 9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

God reminded me the other day that during Israel’s 40 year journey through the wilderness that there were only a few mind blowing acts of God. God split the Red Sea. He brought water from a rock. He led them by a cloud by day and a fire by night. Even though He gave manna to feed them every day, they soon wearied of this also.

Numbers 11:5-6 5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!

Most of their 40 year journey was normal mundane days.

They woke up early and gathered manna for food and prepared it as meals. They handwashed their clothes and hung them out to dry. The children laughed and played throughout the day and were made to do chores at night.

Husbands and wives also lived normal lives. They shared each other's love and company but also had thei share of disgreements.

I also thought about Jesus’ life and ministry.

He spent 30 years in obscurity. He had a normal childhood of schooling, chores and family gatherings. Then He was thrust into ministry and He began to heal the sick, raise the dead, walk on water and feed thousands of people with small rations.

However, although He experienced great moments of God’s anointing, Jesus and His disciples still lived normal days. Days when all they did was travel and days when they had to wash their clothing.

There were the normal days of sitting by the camp fire; living, learning and laughing.

And I’m sure there were many days the disciples were bored and tired.

It seems like the normal days far exceed the miraculous day!!!.

Most of us would choose the seas splitting and witnessing people raised from the dead over normal days.

We all have our own “miracle of miracles” in our past when we KNOW God did it.

You’ve had supernatural things in your life that you KNOW that it was only by His power that you survived, were delivered, healed or set free. Those times a check arrived in the mail “just in time”.

Or you were healed of a sickness or your marriage was restored or God saved your child. Those were YOUR Red Sea crossings. Those were your mountain top experiences.

But then the normal days come. The grass has to be cut. Dinner has to be cooked. The house needs to be cleaned. Kids need to be taken to sports activities. And before long, you realize that your life isn’t a constant Red Sea crossing or mountain top experience but just a collection of normal, simple days in this journey called life.

This walk of faith is exciting at times.

As I look back over the past 48 years of my life, I can see many, many Red Sea crossings. Many times when God raised my life from the dead. Many times whe He provided for me supernaturally at just the right time. Many times when He should have killed me for my sins but instead He had mercy on me and set my feet back on the right track.

However, in between those miraculous moments, my life was/is normal.

Today is June 9, 2026 as I pen these words in a notebook.

I’m sittin on the top bunk in my cell with two fans blowing on my shirtless body.

There is no AC in this prison and it is already hot and humid in South Georgia.

I woke up at 7:30 this morning. I cleaned my room and got ready for the Warden’s daily inspection.

After inspection, I walked to chow hall for lunch and a few hours later, I walked back down for dinner.

For now, I am writing this sermon and later tonight, I’ll be watching the NBA (basketball) playoffs on T.V. I’l then go to sleep and do the exact same thing tomorrow.

My normal days. Many times we are tempted to envy others thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. But they also live normal days.

I spoke to my father on the phone the other day and he told me that while he and the nurse were giving my disabled sister Amanda a shower, she defecated on the floor. Therefore, while the nurse was securing Amanda, my father (your Pastor, had to put on a rubber glove, pick up the feces, dispose of it properly adn they was the remainer down the drain. And that’s a normal day for him.

NO ONE, NO ONE is exempt from a normal, mundane life.

Today, as you go about your normal day, know that others also have trials, temptations and discomforts.

God’s promises for your life are true. He still has many victories for your future.

But until He brings you to “that place”, you must live through the normal days.

God Bless You

Joshua Drucker

Pastor Doug

Please feel free to contact me anytime at DOUGGHC@AOL.COM, or by phone:

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