BORN AGAIN

Before I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I did not know if God wanted to have a personal relationship with me or not. I did not know if Jesus was God's son. I did not have a particular direction to my life. I had accomplished much and had tried to direct my life, but it did not turn out the way I had wanted it to. I had resorted to drinking alcohol in the evenings to numb myself and relieve my stress and was involved in casual relationships with different men. I was unsatisfied despite everything I had attempted to fill myself with and I felt empty and calloused and unfulfilled. I envied people who knew there was a God and I desperately wanted to know there was something more to life.

I was on my way home from Paramedic School one night and was listening to the radio in the car. I never used to listen to preachers, but I stopped when I heard one speaking that night. He said, "Have you been trying to fill your life with things that never bring you satisfaction? That is because you have a 'God-shaped' hole in your heart that only He can fill. If you are tired of feeling unsatisfied, then why don't you accept Him today? Just say this prayer with me. God, I am a sinner. I have been trying to live life my way and keep falling short. I need You to forgive me and fill my heart and lead my life from this point forward." I felt no different after saying the prayer along with the voice on the radio. However, the following evening God revealed Himself to me in a powerful way. A friend of mine in the Air National Guard had invited me go to Bible Study and picked me up to take me there. We sat in the church pew as the pastor read a reference from the Old Testament...out of the book of Deutarotomy. I was closing my eyes when I had vision. At the time, I thought I had a momentary dream, but now I know better. I had a vision that a thorn with the blood of Christ pierced my vein in my arm and the blood from the thorn spread throughout my entire Circulatory System until it reached my brain. When I opened my eyes, I was different. I could feel it inside my heart. I felt ALIVE for the FIRST TIME...and everything seemed brighter...It was as if a dark veil had been lifted off of my eyes. In that moment, I knew that Jesus was God's only son and that He had been sent by His father to die for my sins. Also, I knew to the depth of my soul that the Holy Bible was God's Word written to us through selected holy men throughout thousands of years to be a guide to us, their written words guided by the Holy Spirit of God. I kept the poor pastor there that night until 1:30 am asking him question after question after question and I have never been the same!!! My life changed in a moment.

After I was born again, my life changed 180 degrees. I began to read the Bible, starting with the New Testament, daily. I finally had a sense of purpose. I have never looked back since. I love Jesus and find myself asking, "What would Jesus do in this situation" often.

I now have a clear mission to my life when I wake up in the morning. I am to share the truth of Christ to those around me, to offer them hope, too.

Being a Christian is not easy. There are huge challenges and family and friends that do not understand. This road 'less traveled' is not for the feint of heart. It will require your very best and you will fail a lot. But if you press through and rely on God for strength, it is rich with blessings and thick with rewards. I have never felt so fulfilled. I thank God daily for my Salvation and know where I am to go when I die. Praise God! Amen!

Now it's your turn to ask yourself. Are you tired of doing life your way? Are you ready to let Christ lead you to discover the purpose that you were created for? If so, then say this prayer with me. God, I am a sinner. I have tried to live life my way and I have failed. I am ready to let You lead my life today. Please, come into my heart and lead me.. Forgive me for my sins and help me to lead a purposeful, fulfilling life . I believe that you sent your son, Jesus, to die for me to remove my sins, so that I can have an eternal relationship with You. Thank You, Lord. Amen!