In the fall of 1974, the most amazing thing happened to me. After years of rejecting Christianity and ridiculing Christians, I became one. On a cool October evening, I embarked on a lifelong journey of discovery – learning the truth about myself and the reality of having a personal relationship with God.
Contemporary thought teaches us that man is essentially good, but that has not been my experience. For it was not through nobleness of character or purity of heart that I came to Christ that night. Rather, it was a last-ditch effort to escape the cold, dark dungeon of self.
I was raised in a small denominational church by a loving mother and father who wanted the best for me. I believe it was there that the foundation was laid for my future decision. But, like many teenage males of my generation, I rebelled against my parents and their religion, turning instead to what I thought was the exciting world of rock music, alcohol, drugs, and sex.
Thus began the downward spiral of my life.
After several years of groveling at the bottom, I began to look for a way out. I tried everything I knew to rid myself of an inward plague I later learned was sin, but to no avail. Not being helped by any of these, I finally came to the conclusion that only God could help me. But it would not, I had concluded, be through Christianity.
I subsequently read the major scriptures of the world’s foremost religions trying to find God. I even placed myself under the strict discipline of an eastern guru for two years, only to have my inward state grow worse.
Fortunately for me, there were individuals who cared more about others than themselves. They prayed for me. They visited me and shared their faith with me. One wrote letters to me. Their words and prayers had a significant impact on me, because in time there developed in me a heartfelt conviction that I had to try Jesus Christ.
After a short walk and brief prayer that evening, during which I received Christ, I was different. Somehow I knew the search was over; I was home. Somehow a lost and hopeless man now had hope. Somehow the very thing I had resisted I now embraced.
This is the wonder of what is called the grace of God. It is the divine influence upon the heart that shapes and molds a person’s life into one of love and obedience to God and service to others. That was – and continues to be, my experience.
I am grateful to be a recipient.
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