A Resolution to Share My Testimony

This year I hope to share my story of how God has changed my life (my testimony) with more people than ever! God has been so faithful and good to me. Here is a brief account of my story:

I am twenty-five, but my life started sixteen years ago when I began a permanent commitment to Jesus Christ. I owe most of the beginning knowledge I have about my savior to my parents; they raised me in a devoted Christian home pointing me in Christ’s direction since I was little. I was nine when I first trusted Christ as my savior and was baptized. At that point, I knew that God loved me (John 3:16), I was a sinner (Rom. 3:23) and that Christ died for me (Rom. 5:8)! I believe grace from God through faith in Jesus will save me from my sin (Eph. 2:8-9).

This commitment has changed my life dramatically. It has altered daily decisions that I have made since becoming a Christian. The way I spend my time, the things I consider important, the type of schools I have attended, the career I have pursued and the spouse I have chosen have all been influenced by my relationship with Jesus. A relationship with Christ demands life change; he accepts us for who we are but refuses to leave us that way. Jesus has given me genuine joy, deeper relationships with other believers and extraordinary experiences to do his work on earth. It is unbelievable that he has chosen to use me in the process of drawing others to him (lifelong ministry)! My prayer is that I continue to let Jesus change my life so I can be more like him.

Having made a commitment to Christ at a young age, I continued to mature as I grew older by encountering “Lordship” issues along the way. During my junior high and early high school years I was influenced by my peers and my commitment to athletics and academics. School and sports were very important to me in a dangerous way. I elevated these priorities to an unhealthy level and relegated my involvement in church and my relationship with Christ below those other priorities. By the time I finished high school, the Lord regained my attention and his rightful place in my life. It was at a summer youth conference before my junior year of high school when I took a giant step to face the reality of recognizing Christ as the Lord of my life. I do not doubt the legitimacy of my earlier commitment, but this time was particularly formative in my journey of faith.

This period in my life and my calling to vocational ministry intertwine at this point. As I began to think about my future, I realized that God had plans for my life that were different than what many would have guessed. I planned on attending Purdue University (my parents’ alma mater) to become an engineer, while I increasingly felt convicted to pursue pastoral ministry. I ended up at Taylor University; another place which dramatically impacted my faith in Christ. I found my eventual wife as well as many ministry and growth opportunities. I am indebted to many pastors, teachers and friends who have so graciously poured into my life to shape me into the man I am today. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had as the Lord has taken me, shaped me and used me in ways I could not have imagined. There is not space to share the ways the Lord has provided and assured me in my faith over the past few years. I am ever grateful for my Savior as I continue to grow in wisdom and in favor with God and men.

I encourage you to either start a journey with Christ or share yours with those around you this year! God Bless!