Before Jesus Changed My Life
I grew up in a Christian home. Church and Sunday school were a regular part of our family life, but I never really understood the gospel. I tried to be good, especially on the outside, but nothing in my life, thoughts, or choices reflected true faith. In college, I had good intentions of continuing to go to church, but I surrounded myself with unbelievers. By the end of the first semester, the world had convinced me that God wasn’t real. Even if He was, I was still a good person and could get into heaven. After college, I threw myself into achievement, working long hours, eating healthy, and working out for two hours a night. I tried dating but could never really find a match. I moved several times for work. I had lived in one town for three years and only knew five people outside of work. I realized through all my efforts, I was living in a single-bedroom apartment, exhausted, unsatisfied, and above all angry.
How Jesus Changed My Life
In 2017, my grandmother passed away. She had suffered for a long time, and my dad stayed by her side the night before. That morning, he prayed with her for twenty minutes. As he finished and said, “Amen,” she sat up, opened her eyes, and took her final breath. Hearing that story shook me. From a logical standpoint, what are the odds of something so beautiful happening in her last moment? My heart of stone had started to crack.
Lying in bed one night, after a particularly exhausting day at work, I came across the story of an elite powerlifter, who had come to faith after reading Psalm 40 on the wall of a YMCA. Curious, I found the passage and read these words: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” (Psalm 40:1-2) The words struck me hard, and for the first time in almost a decade, I prayed: “God, I can’t do this. Have mercy on me. I am not strong enough. You have to act.” And God moved. Less than a month later, I met the woman who would become my wife. As we dated, I started reading more about Jesus. The more I read, the more I saw how my sin and pride had led me to the pit of destruction. I repented, trusted in Christ, and He changed my heart.
My Life After Jesus Saved Me
Since surrendering my life to Christ, God has shown up in countless ways. He led me to a new city and a new church. He blessed us with our son and brought him safely into the world. He surrounded me with Christian brothers and sisters. But beyond all the blessings, the greatest gift has been knowing Christ. I am struck by the beauty of the gospel. I ran away from God for a decade, but when I called for help, He was right by my side. I had been God’s enemy, but He called me his friend. Jesus bore the wrath I deserved and gave me His righteousness. Now, when I worship in church, hearing countless voices lifted in praise, I can’t help but think of how far God has brought me. From a prideful, isolated, and angry young man in a one-bedroom apartment to a man redeemed, forgiven, and surrounded by the love of Christ. "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:3) Christ rescued me from the pit of destruction and set my feet on solid ground.