Before Jesus Changed My Life

I often joked about being a "bedside Baptist with Reverend Sheets." I grew up in a Christian household however, I was lazy and complacent about my relationship with Christ. I took it for granted and put very little energy into my connection with Jesus. Seldom would I read the Bible. Because of my lack of effort in developing a relationship with Jesus, I was a terrible role model for my wife and two kids. I was unhappy and really did not understand why. In fact, it was so noticeable that one day while my parents were visiting my Dad challenged me and said, "Son, you need to bring Jesus into this house." Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” My Dad had a very close relationship with Jesus and was an amazing role model, his hard truth really caused me to pause and pray.

How Jesus Changed My Life

My searching and prayer led me to attend an interdenominational church where I met some wonderful people who helped open my eyes. As stated in Proverbs 27:17 “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This passage exemplifies my journey. I became active in a morning men’s group. One morning, while at the men’s group, I finally trusted Jesus to forgive my sins and come into my life and change me. I remember such a wonderful sense of peace and calmness. It felt like an enormous weight lifted from my shoulders. I pray often for His guidance and leadership to get me through normal, everyday struggles. He became a real person, not that I see him but, I can absolutely feel his love and my eyes are open. Worries I once had are no more. I feel relieved that God is in control. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

My Life After Jesus Saved Me

First, I am so thankful my father gave me a kick in the butt. I am more active in attending church and taking in the truth of the Gospel regularly. I am thankful for Gordon and Sheryl’s invitation to join a Connection Group. I am thankful for a God who is active in my life, He has a plan for me. My fear is now gone and my faith is more alive. God’s saving grace is amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage is powerful, providing a relief that my individual work alone is not a “golden ticket.” Jesus is the answer and faith is the response.