What was life like before you met Jesus?
I was raised in a Christian home and was baptized as an infant. As far back as I can remember I was taught about God’s love for me and Jesus' death on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. Growing up I considered myself an average Christian and tried to lead a good life. I never intentionally tried to hurt anyone, abused alcohol or drugs, or was in trouble with the law. But I knew that I was a sinner and was falling short of God's will and that had separated me from Him. I developed a thirst to know Him more. Being analytical, I began studying the Bible to get a better understanding of the relationship God wanted to have with me.
How did you meet Jesus?
I don't recall exactly when I fully understood God's gift of salvation or why Jesus was willing to give up his life for me, a poor miserable sinner. The turning point was when I realized God wanted a relationship so badly with me that he made a sacrifice of his own Son to make that possible. Through His grace I was saved, all I had to do was believe in and accept His gift of salvation. Ephesians 2:4-10 says, " But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions, it is by grace you are saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in Heavenly realms in Jesus Christ, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Jesus Christ. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
In accepting His gift I now have a sense of peace in knowing that He cares for me now and has made a place for me with Him for all eternity. That helps me appreciate the many blessings He gives me each day and also gives me hope to endure the trials and hardships that come along the way.