This past Memorial Day, we took a moment to remember all those who came before us and gave their lives so that we could be saved from forces that meant us harm. I truly give thanks for these men and women.
This Memorial Day also marked 25 years of me realizing that Jesus gave His life for all of us to be saved from forces meaning us harm.
That day, the day I asked God to show me He was real, I said that if He was real I would follow Him, and that’s the day my life started changing. There were no lightning bolts or choir singing, but rather, just a sense of confronting a deep burning question.
I had spent many years as an atheist but had come across the words of Jesus in the scripture written in Matthew chapter 7, that peaked my interest.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
And so I went before God and prayed this scripture word for word. Just me calling out to Him. Like a conversation.
Since that day, I’ve gradually changed. One of the biggest changes was my anger issue. My nickname growing up had been the Hulk which many friends these days refuse to believe.
And there were other changes as well. Changes in habits and actions that held on strong to me. Things I tried to end but couldn’t, but suddenly under a strong sense within me, to try again, I was able to say no for the first time.
There were so many of these strongholds. Lying, cheating, stealing, foul language, anger, addictions, and others. Believe me they continue to make a bid for my attention but I know I have God’s Spirit helping me say no.
Such applies to many as the statement, “There but by the grace of God, go I” applies.
Check out a Bible index or Google “sin” to have a more inclusive sample of sinful actions. I’ve experienced the majority of them and day by day God is changing me.
And God can change you as well if you let go of your self and hang on to Jesus.
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