My Acceptance of God's Gift of Eternal Life

Before I received eternal life I felt an emptiness, like something was missing.

I remember feeling lost, like I had no direction, hope or focus. I also felt that there was love out there, but I was not receiving it. I also often felt alone.

I was in high school and was an athlete. My family was somewhat dysfunctional at the time, and I spent most of my time away from home. Our coach was a Christian and used to talk a about God and he would lead a prayer before games. It made me wonder about God and what he was like for real. That year I went to a Christian retreat with some non-believing friends during Easter week. We went just to get away from home and have fun. During the days we had some work assignments to do, and they would have get-togethers for lessons and prayer. I could feel the love and hope of those who were saved and felt that was something I think I was missing in my life. Friday night, the day before we were returning home, they had a get-together in the large hall. During the meeting it felt very spiritual and several of us, me included, accepted the gift of God of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Since then, I have had more hope in my life and more love for others. I liked belonging to a larger family, the Family of God.

Once I accepted Jesus and God's gift of eternal life, I felt hope, love, and a focus I had not had before. I also felt connected with the God and His church family and not as lonely. I am eternally grateful to God for his grace and salvation.

One day I was in my backyard and there was a large monarch butterfly flying around the garden. I remember asking God to have the butterfly land on me. It flew around some more and sure enough it landed on me. I felt that God was truly with me, and I would never be alone.

I know that by faith I am saved. I have no doubt that I have the gift of eternal life from God, as he promised. This gift is through faith and trusting in Jesus Christ.