As a child, I grew up in a loving home. All my needs were provided by my parents. I depended totally on them for everything. When my mother became ill needing surgery, I was afraid for her life. If she died, then how could I survive? As a nine year old boy, my security was in peril.
Before her surgery, my mother told me the things of life: people, toys, houses, jobs, and money are only temporary. Since they will not last forever, I could not depend on them to keep me safe and secure in life. Only a personal relationship with the God who created me was my hope.
One day, she invited a pastor to talk with me about eternal things. He told me how God knew me, my fears, and my struggles in life. God’s love for me was so great he wanted to be my friend, to have a personal relationship with him. Unlike my mother who would one day die, He would never leave me.
Needing the security of his presence, I wanted to know him personally, not just know about him. To have a personal relationship with God, I believed his son, Jesus, was born of a virgin, lived a life without sin, died bearing my sin, and was raised from the dead three days later.
When I began following Jesus, my life changed. No longer did I fear death, or not having to depend upon my parents to take care of me. Everything temporary on this earth will fail me, but Jesus will not. He gives me hope, confidence, peace, and the certainty my relationship with him is eternal. I am always with Him, and he is always with me.
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