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Testimony |
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I
grew up going to church. The
Bible was discussed, but somehow I missed the point and fell away from
God for a lot of years. I pursued happiness in
relationships, pleasure, dreams of fame, jobs, wealth, my intellect, you
name it. None of this
ultimately had any lasting joy, but instead disappointed me over and
over again. I grew bitter,
feeling as though life was a cruel joke with death as the end to
everyone’s story. I had
grown doubtful about the existence of an afterlife.
Every day was just another effort to selfishly get all the good
out of life I could while I was still alive. Then
came depression and isolation. I
became sad, cynical, lethargic, and lonely.
Meanwhile, in the midst of my struggles, I was beginning to
consider in some small way that there might actually be a God. Listed
here are a few examples of how God finally got my attention after
pursuing me for so many long difficult years:
1)
I began noticing people at my job that for no good reason seemed
to always do above and beyond what others did, even when the working
conditions were horrible. It
was clear that they weren’t hoping for any special attention, since
the boss would have never cared one way or the other.
Why would anyone work so hard for so little reward? 2)
When I observed known Christians, I saw an obvious quiet
confidence that made me curious as to where the confidence was coming
from. 3)
I
conducted little experiments in which I asked some Christians a few
questions individually, thinking I could trip them up or that they would
have different and conflicting answers. The answers all agreed.
Not only were the answers the same, they were great answers,
awe-inspiring answers. They
knew without a doubt what they believed.
4)
Some people told me they could identify with what I was going
through and that they would be praying for me. 5)
I ran across a radio program in the mornings that intrigued me.
It was recorded church services, with Pastor Bob Coy preaching.
At first, I thought, “this is interesting, but nothing of real
concern,” and then I found myself listening to it every morning.
I heard incredible truth from the Bible that I had never heard
presented so clearly before. There
had to be a God and He was pursuing me for some reason. 6)
I went to a concert in Texas. Someone was handing out tracts (pamphlets with messages about
God) and made sure that I got one.
I read it several times wondering, “Is God trying to tell me
something or am I just imagining all this?”
7)
I developed chronic insomnia for what seemed like no good reason.
It got worse and worse until I could take it no more.
So I went to the doctor. I
was prescribed some medicine for depression, which not only didn’t
help, but instead really messed up my mind.
One night I found myself on the bathroom floor, my mind foggy
from losing so much sleep and taking the new medicine.
I begged God for mercy.
8)
I had good friends who one day explained to me God’s plan of
salvation for all of us found only in Jesus Christ. I took some time to think it over. Then
on April 29, 2001, in my apartment, I prayed for forgiveness from my
sins and I committed the rest of my life to live for Jesus Christ.
I felt a little silly at first, having never gotten truly
“real” with God before. But as I was saying the words, I felt an incredible peace
come over me, like nothing I’d ever experienced.
A tremendous burden had been lifted.
I wanted to go running through the streets, jumping for joy.
Later I would talk to or hear about so many other people all over
this world, millions of people, who have had a similar experience.
Even from that moment, my whole perspective on life was
completely rearranged. I
started praying with God each day.
Whatever I asked, He gave the answer.
When I didn’t understand a particular section of the Bible, the
answer came the next day during a radio sermon or something happened to
me that made the answer clear. I started looking for a church.
God led me to one. I
got baptized. I went to
Sunday School and got as involved as I could in church activities. I sung in the choir. My
insomnia went away. It was
all so exciting and amazing! God
continued to bless me by leading me to my wife, Darcey, and later giving
us a son named Zane.
Years
later, God began really nudging me to use more of my God-given talents
so that he might be revealed to more people in my circle of influence.
It became clear through time and prayer that drawing cartoons was
the answer. And
the story is still going. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the author and perfector of our faith
(Hebrews 12:2). All
over the world Jesus is changing lives.
This same life change can be yours!
For
more about how to know Jesus Christ go to my How to Get to Heaven
link.
Friends,
you don’t want to miss Jesus. This
is the most important decision you will ever make.
He loves you enough to die for you and save you from your sin.
I will be praying for you! Don’t
miss out!
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