What was life like before you met Jesus?
Before I met Jesus, I was trapped within an earthly spell - relentlessly pursuing success as defined by the world, not Jesus. My worth was defined by money, social status, job title, career, and the ability to provide and chase earthly comfort. This led me to an unsustainable path of trying to control all aspects of my life on my own. My pursuits didn't nourish. I was exhausted, and my joy seemed to deteriorate with each new day.
How did you meet Jesus?
I met Jesus amidst an incredibly challenging season of job turmoil and family relationship strain. He used deep trial to open my ears, open my eyes, and soften my heart so that he could save me. It was a whisper that could break through my deaf ears. It was an eternal glimpse that could defy my blind, earth-focused eyes. It was a breath of new life that could fill my polluted lungs. It was revealing a glimpse of his love and grace that could change my hardened heart. I am eternally grateful. He has changed me, saved me, and made me feel whole, so I trust in him.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are unseen are eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
After placing trust in Jesus, I have found that Jesus nourishes the void within me that nothing else could nourish. He provides me with true hope, joy, peace, and comfort through him, not me. The weight and burden of my sin have been lifted off my shoulders through him, not me. He gave me a tangible gift of new and eternal life, not me. I feel liberated from the suffocating pull of the world and the exhaustion of failed attempts at control. He has made the allure of the world less appetizing and helped me focus on his eternal gift. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23