The things that we go through in life was never meant to drive us into a state of depression, to drinking, crime, or any of the above, but to help us to know that IN IT, we are not alone (Hebrews 13:5). God has provided a way of escape for us through the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross and we do not have to worry or fear when life gets a little hard or challenging (Joshua 1:9). When I gave my life to the Lord at the age of 19, I wasn’t sure how this would look, but prior to it, I was on the verge of committing suicide. “Nothing was working for me”, I thought and I was better off not being here. I’ve shared that the same day that I had planned to take my life, God restored life to me and I began to see things differently. Nothing about my situation changed, but I SAW IT differently and I had peace in it. When I stood before the Pastor that day, with nothing left to lose, I gave God my old heart in exchange for a new one (Ezekiel 36:26). He brought peace into my life, changed my thoughts, gave me a new way of thinking, brand new eyes, and love that I had not known before (John 3:16). Such joy filled my soul and I wanted everyone to know about this man (Jesus) that I had met. After giving my life to Christ, it was important that I surrounded myself with those who were also striving to live a life that was pleasing to Him. I did not want to fall back into the same patterns of unbelief so I went to church and allowed myself to be taught about this new way of living. Yes, I got a lot of things wrong, but I also got a lot of things right. I failed so many times and even turned back because I didn’t think that I could live right. What I did not understand then, that I understand now is that I could not do it in my own strength, I had to rely on the Lord. The more I read the Word, studied, and learned of Him, my life began to be transformed and I was becoming more like Him. Others began to notice it and some even joined me. It was the best decision that I could have ever made concerning my life and my future. You will not get it all right every time, but if you stay with the Lord, He will perfect those things concerning you. God has made us wonderful promises that if we trust Him, He will provide for us, teach us, show us His paths, protect us, and love us through our process. A heart that has truly been regenerated and that loves God, will not go awhoring after other gods. He has everything that we need. Won’t you trust Him with your heart today? What do you have to lose? Say Father, realize that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, I believe that He died on the cross and shed His blood for my sins, I believe that He rose on the 3rd day with all power in His hands. I want to live for Him and I am asking if He will come into my heart and be Lord over my life. I receive Him into my heart now. And just like that, you have been born again. Find you a good Bible believing church, surround yourself with others in the faith, and study to show yourself approved. Welcome to the family of God, I can’t wait to hear what GREAT things the Father has done in your life.
