Before Jesus Changed My Life
Before Jesus changed my life, I was an addict, a wayward son, a terrible husband, an even worse father, and overall just a lost soul in need of guidance and to be saved. For years, I lived in agony after I made terrible decisions that led me down a path of addiction. My wife put up with it for so long, I don't know how she did. Many times she could've, and probably should've left me. There was never a physical altercation, but my deep depression was something that she just could not help me overcome, it would take something much greater than any human on earth could help me rise above. I asked God consistently, "Why me, Lord?" I have 3 siblings, 2 of which are doctors, the other was getting ready to graduate from college. Why is it that I have been cursed with this depression that was so intolerable, yet I continue to dig deeper each and every day? One day that all changed.
How Jesus Changed My Life
One day, I woke up hungover. I didn't remember the argument my wife and I had the night before, but it was probably something that I had conjured up in my head that held no footing in reality. I was just lost, it was a Sunday morning. My wife came and asked if I wanted to go to church with her, which I declined. I got up and took a shower, and then decided, "you know what, today's the day. I'm going back to church." We went together, and I remember holding hands during the prayer after worship like it was yesterday. That service, Jake gave a sermon that, like many Sunday's since, was speaking directly to me. He referenced 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." I felt like I could physically feel Jesus put his hand on my shoulder, and he said to me, "Follow Me." So I did. I have come to embrace the gospel, which is basically the profession of the good news, in that God loves us, and that through Jesus we are able to be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16 says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” This verse just shows us how anyone who claims Jesus as their Lord and Savior can be saved, and that news should be shared around the world.
My Life After Jesus Saved Me
From that day forward, I decided that I would live life sober-minded, ready to protect my family whenever they would need me. We started attending classes at Veritas, which was surprising to me as I had never considered myself someone who would attend an extra class beyond the typical sermon. One day, my wife told me, "I feel like I'm getting to know a new Andy, and I love him so much more." I now take pride in being the spiritual leader of my household. Rather than being quick to anger while raising two young boys, I'm quick to prayer. One day, I stubbed my toe and I began writhing in pain, my 4-year-old came over to me and said, "Dada, it's okay, do you want me to pray for you?" I literally cried. Finally, it felt as though not only had I been saved from a level of despair that is hard to describe, but He had given me the power and confidence to guide the life of another human, shepherding him towards our Lord and Savior. My life after Jesus saved me has been one of gratitude, grace, and honor. I've seen the light and finally know that all other ground outside of the rock I stand on is simply sinking sand.