Before Jesus Changed My Life
In my college years and early twenties, I chased comfort, acceptance, love, and belonging in all the wrong places–through alcohol, drugs, unhealthy and unfaithful relationships, and even stealing. I was willing to do whatever it took to fill the emptiness I felt inside. That lifestyle led to multiple arrests, time in jail, broken trust, and deep hurt–both for myself and for the people who cared about me.
The truth is, I didn’t want to change. I was living for myself, chasing whatever I thought would bring me satisfaction in the moment, without any thought of the consequences. I was spiritually dead–lost, hurting, and unaware of how much I needed something, or rather Someone, far greater than my own desires.
How Jesus Changed My Life
Fast forward to 2021. I was now married, attending church more regularly than I had since childhood, yet still quietly battling alcoholism. My wife signed us up for a class at Veritas called Steps (now Gospel Pathway). At that time, I was exhausted and ashamed–I'd tried to quit drinking more times than I could remember, but I could never make it more than a few days. I felt trapped.
Through that class, God began to open my eyes. I started to understand the depth and depravity of my sin–not just the behavior, but the heart behind it. I realized that my sin wasn’t something I could defeat by trying harder or by my own willpower. Romans 7:18 says, “I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” That was me. I needed something—Someone—far greater than myself.
Growing up, I believed I was saved at a young age. But looking back, I now see there was no evidence of true heart transformation—no spiritual fruit, no change in desires, no real relationship with Jesus (Ezekiel 36:26–27). I knew about Him, but I did not know Him.
Through God’s Word, He showed me that because of my sin, I was separated from a holy God (Isaiah 59:2). But God, rich in love and mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and became the perfect and only sacrifice for my sin. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated sin and death and made a way for us to be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).
When I trusted in Christ alone for my salvation–turning from my sin and surrendering my life to Him–He made me holy and blameless in His sight, not because of anything I had done, but because of what Christ had done for me (Colossians 1:21–22). I came to understand that salvation isn't about trying harder–t’s about being made new. It’s about Jesus.
My Life After Jesus Saved Me
Since Jesus saved me, there has been a clear and undeniable shift in my life. My desires have changed. I now long to be in communion with God–to know Him more deeply, to walk in obedience, and to continually repent of my sin. What once held power over me has lost its grip. God has given me new desires, a new heart, and a new purpose.
Years later, I’m still walking through the beautiful and refining process of sanctification–growing in grace and becoming more like Christ, day by day. It’s not a journey of arrived perfection yet (Philippians 3:12), but it is a genuine and ongoing transformation. Though imperfect and still stumble, I no longer run from God–I run to Jesus. He is my help, my hope, and the One who is faithfully shaping me into His likeness. I trust Him, I cherish His Word, and I love His Church.
I now live with a deep assurance that through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross–His full payment for my sin–and through placing my faith in Him, I am forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to God. Because of Jesus, my eternity is secure. And until that day, I want to spend my life knowing Him, loving Him, and making Him known.