I have believed in God for as far back as my memory can carry me. He was always the one I called on in times of trouble and despair. He was always the one I ignored when times were favorable and pleasant. My Bible wasn’t dusty but neither did it show any wear and tear from daily use. I lived my life by doing what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted….with a little bit of prayer and good works thrown in to keep God on my side. I even went to church so God would know who I was…well, not every Sunday…but the times I went outnumbered the times I didn’t go. I was a good Christian. Wasn’t I?

Then in one fell swoop, seventeen years ago, my life as I had known it – ended. It was quick and painful and the side effects would last several years. Three to be exact. I walked around lost and hurt. I had no direction, no purpose, no sense of who I was….just who I had been.

I was able to go through the motions of rebuilding some semblance of a life. During those three years I got a job, I got an education, I bought my first car, I even made a friend or two that didn’t “know me when”. But there was no joy…no happiness…no sense of “wow, this is great”. That is until I walked into the biggest First Baptist Church this side of the Mississippi.

I knew there was a God…what I didn’t know was that he was a forgiving God, full of grace and mercy and unfailing love. A God that wanted to have a personal relationship with me. Me?? Imagine that!! A God that wanted me to walk with Him and talk with Him and love Him and trust Him. A friend that “knew me when” and loved me even more. How could I not commit myself to this relationship and accept this God as my Lord and Savior. What could it hurt?

Don’t misunderstand…the years that followed this acceptance weren’t all peaches and cream, sunflowers and honeydews. Still aren’t. And my faith walk hasn’t always been on the straight and narrow. There have been spits and spurts and stalls along the way. Still are. But the one constant in my complicated life…is how God simplifies it.

He even gave me a guidebook for the journey, knowing how complicated it would be. My Bible…now worn and frayed with several chapters falling out. My Guidebook – telling me how to live, teaching me what to believe, showing me what God is like, protecting me from sin. God, in His infinite wisdom knew…to know how to live, you must first know what you believe.

I believe that Christ died for me and rose again, and will save completely all who come to God through Him.

Dear Lord, May we continue to travel steadily along your path. Understanding that we are the ones chosen by you to do your work and speak out for you. Help us to step out of our comfort zones and boldly tell others of the night-and-day difference you have made in our lives. Help us to keep it plain and simple, according to your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.