A 9 year old doesn’t often think of themselves dying. However, after seeing their younger brother fall out of a moving vehicle and roll towards a semi entering the highway, it becomes more imaginable. This was an event that God used to bring me to the reality that if I were to die before accepting Christ as my Savior, then I would be forever separated from God in a very real and horrid place called Hell. Being awakened to this truth while at camp, I asked one of the counselors to show me how to be saved and I accepted Christ as my Savior.
Two weeks later, I displayed to others that I am a follower of Christ by being baptized in front of my home church. The following year, I dedicated my life fully to God to do as He pleased, no matter where or what. I’d love to tell you that from those moments on I never brought shame, disappointment, or anger to my Heavenly Father, but it wouldn’t be the truth. Over the last 33 yrs, I have learned and grown so much through various trials, facing consequences from times that I chose to go contrary to HIS will, godly mentors, studying HIS Word, prayer, and more.
Life is a continual opportunity to be conformed to the image of God’s Son, Jesus, and to choose to be transformed and not conformed to the world (Romans 8:28-29; 12:1-2). I am thankful that through a growing relationship with HIM, HE is taking off the old and replacing with the new and that HE showers me with HIS grace while HIS mercies are new every morning (Ephesians 4:22-24; I Corinthians 5:17; Lamentations 3:22-23). I look forward to the opportunities to serve HIM and to be HIS salt & light (Matthew 5:13-16).
If you don’t know Christ or haven’t accepted HIM, now is the day of salvation. Admit you are a sinner in need of the Savior (Romans 3:23). Accept that Jesus paid the sin debt you could never pay (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 6:23). Believe Jesus is the Son of God, Who came to die for your sins and rose again the 3rd day claiming victory over your eternal death and separation from God (I Corinthians 15:3-4). Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and be saved (Romans 10:9).
If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, don’t stop there. This is just the beginning! Read your Bible, pray, get plugged into a local Bible-believing and practicing church body, and serve the Lord-no matter what HE is calling you to do, where HE has placed you or calling you to go, or with whom you are surrounded.