My Story of Glory: Part 2; Life Sure Was Different...

Read 'Part 1' here.

Life sure was different in the big city.  At first, it was great!  I made several new friends, felt a freedom I had never quite experienced before, and for a time the inner longing seemed to be gone.  Life was good!  

Then, sometime during my senior year, the deep inner longing came back.  I found that life in a big city was similar to my life in the small town.   My problem wasn't standing out anymore. I was just empty inside, and the people around me were not able to fill this void I had.  In fact, I learned the hard way that people in general can be quite disappointing; including myself.  I became depressed, succumbed to peer- pressure, and made some mistakes I would live to regret.  I thought the people around me knew something I didn't.  So I tried to live like them for a time hoping I would feel better.  Of course, I didn't.  I was as empty as ever.  In fact, the inner longing inside just became worse.

One night, fed up with everything, I cried out to God in tears.  It was the first time in my life I spoke a spontaneous prayer.

I said something like, "God, are you there?  If so, I give up.  You take over, because I'm done.  I can't do this anymore." 

I woke up the next day hardly remembering what I prayed the night before.

Then, after graduation, I had the privilege of witnessing the miracle of a changed life.  Someone I knew completely turned their life around from a self destructive, deep depression to a person who was cheerful and full of life.  I couldn’t help but ask questions to figure out what happened.  This person explained that he asked Jesus to forgive him, and come into his heart.  This was the first time I had heard such words!   Intrigued, I asked what he meant?  There, over a lunch at a Sonic Drive-In, I heard the gospel for the first time!  I heard that sin in my life caused me to be separated from God, and that God loved me so much that He provided salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.  I couldn't believe my ears!  The Almighty God of the universe wanted a personal relationship with me?  And I could receive His love and forgiveness by believing & accepting His gift?  I was wowed and amazed by hearing all this! What stood out the most was hearing that God loved me!  As my heart burned inside, and tears streamed down my face.  I prayed for forgiveness, and acknowledged my need for His salvation, and in doing so I received God's perfect gift!

Wow!!  What a joy!  Instantly, the sorrow and emptiness I felt inside were gone!  For the first time in my life I felt whole!  All by accepting Christ's love into my heart!  Such a crazy feeling of happiness/fulfillment came over me!  I have never been the same!!  I remember while driving back to work that day I saw a suburban with dirt all over it.  In the dirt was written the phrase "Jesus loves you!"  I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that phrase was written there for me!  It was literally a night and day kind of experience!

My late twenties.

What an awesome God we serve!  He found me you see!  I didn't even know I was supposed to be looking for Him.  I was completely and utterly lost!  He left the 99 to find me!  (Luke 15:4, 6)  Praise the Lord!!!   It's been over twenty years now.  God has brought me through some mighty storms with more to come on the horizon.  Yet, He has never failed me!  He has always been there helping me through each and every trial.  He has been refining me like gold, and changing me from the inside out!  I know I have a long way to go, but I can walk with confidence knowing He’ll be with me every step of the way! 

Hallelujah, I love Jesus!!!!  Blessed Assurance; Jesus is mine!!!!  This is my story and my song...praising my Savior, every day, all the daylong!!!! 

Say, do you know Jesus?  Are you forgiven?  Have you accepted His AWESOME and cleansing love? 

Ah, my friends, if you haven't, you are definitely missing out!  There is nothing in this life, nor is there anyone who could ever compare to being filled with the love of Christ!

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV):

"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can 
fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not faint."

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


Romans 10:9-13, (NIV):

"If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame."  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.