When God became real, the adventure began

My story of finding God wasn't quite so easy. I was raised in a faith home, but it was just going through the motions; it wasn't real to me, or personal.

When I was in my 20s, I seriously doubted God existed, especially as it is explained by the Christian faith. I explored other religions as well as atheism. It wasn't until I sincerely asked God to make himself real to me and let down the walls I had built in my own mind against faith in God that God made himself real to me. I realized God's distance to me wasn't his lack of existence or his anger at me, but rather his love & respect for me, not forcing his way into my life. While surrendering control of my life over to God was a challenge in some ways, I am so glad I did. His plan for my life has been far better for me than anything I would have done on my own. It has truly been an adventure so far!

The grace of God is such an amazing concept to get a hold of — to realize that he loves and accepts us all, regardless of our past baggage, simply upon the condition of our placing our faith & trust in Christ. With that assurance, death isn't to be feared, but to be enjoyed just as much or more than our lives here on earth! A few years after beginning this adventure with God, I sensed a burden to leave my career field and go into the ministry, to help others as a pastor discover the amazing plans God has for them, too.