What's Your "WHY?"



This past week at Bible Study a familiar question was posed..."If someone asked you why you follow Jesus, what would you say?"

It's the same question I've heard from friends and relatives and quite honestly, I'm not very good at answering it.  Further - I think as Christians WE SHOULD be able to answer that simple question - WHY WE BELIEVE.  And we should think about it in advance so we have an answer when someone DOES ask.

Here is what I know...

In my former life (and I call it that because I really DO feel reborn), I was lost.  I KNEW I wanted MORE in my life, but I didn't know how to get it, or even what that MORE was.

I worked hard at my job so I could have MORE money - but that didn't do it.

I hosted lots of parties and events so I might have MORE friends - but that didn't do it either.

I had an affair in hopes of finding more LOVE, but that only caused more guilt and shame. 

I drank bottles and bottles of wine, in hopes of feeling MORE relaxed.

I lost a lot of weight, seeking to feel MORE beautiful.

But with all of these MORES nothing worked.  NOTHING.  In fact, the MORE I craved didn't seem to exist.

But then one day, sitting in a room at a leadership seminar I thought, "I can't do this anymore - I need God," and I invited Him into my life.  I told him about all of the hurt and pain I felt, and all the hurt and pain I'd caused others - and in a place of utter surrender, I invited Him into my life.

And then - slowly at first, I felt the weight of my sins disappear.

For the first time in my life I felt LOVED, truly, deeply loved. 

I felt JOYFUL.  

I felt PEACEFUL. 

And I felt HOPEFUL.

For me, saying "yes" to God changed everything - and I am so grateful.  

I started writing this blog nearly a year ago because I wished everyone could feel the way I do now....

Some may read today's post, and judge me harshly because of it.  But God told me that "all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God." - Romans 3:23, and when I read that I know I am not alone.  We ALL need Jesus.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him." - Psalm 40:1-3


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