His Grace and my faith

My life before Jesus was one of distrust and anger.

I had questions regarding life now and what, if anything, comes after. I knew many who were kind and helped others, but I also knew those who were violent, used and abused others. If there was nothing more, that what was the point of it all? " Religion" held no answers for me. General anger characterized my relationships. Abuse from those who were supposed to love me left me cold, angry, and distrustful of everyone.

Then through the love and persistence of a couple who shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ and their story, I came to understand how God loves me and showered me with His gift of an eternal life with Him through Jesus Christ. This was His Grace: I received what I didn't deserve. I was included in His plan.... I made the choice to receive that gift when I believed in Jesus's work on Calvary to pay for my sin. And with my repentance of sin against Him, I am a forgiven and redeemed child of God.

This life with God has resulted in the assurance of my eternity. I no longer question the "point" of life, nor do I carry anger. No matter what the circumstances of life around me, I have an inner peace which carries me through the hard times, and joy because of my relationship with Jesus.

God has given me ways to serve Him and the love to serve others. He has put in my heart the desire to share the gospel by teaching, and just sharing when the opportunity arises. He also has given me the desire to study the scriptures that I might know Him even more. He has taught me that forgiving those who have hurt me in the past (rather than maintaining my anger toward them)is giving Grace to others as He has given Grace to me. He has a plan for me, now and for eternity.

Jesus came to give me life, an abundant or full life. That's for now and evermore. He taught the disciples and all who believe in Him that we have eternal life.. it begins with accepting the free gift God offers. John 3:16 says it all: For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.