At Wooster Grace, we're constantly amazed by all the stories of life change coming from people who are experiencing God in their own lives. Check back here often to read new stories of people being developed into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
My life before Christ could best be described as a very blessful life. I grew up in a close and loving family home, I’ve been blessed with a loving wife and two wonderful children, and have basically lived the “American Dream”. Around 10 years ago, my wife and I started attending Wooster Grace. We chose Grace mostly because I had family that went there, so it just seemed like that was the place to go if I was going to go to church. However, we never attended on a regular basis. Since childhood, I’ve believed in God and heaven and hell, but as I grew older I chose to basically ignore it. Deep inside I believed I would end up in hell because of sins I’ve commited in my life. Attending sermons at Grace, I kept hearing how Jesus Christ was sent to earth and died on the cross to save us from our sins. And, that I could receive salvation by coming to Him for repentance and acknowldeging Him as my Lord and Savior and turning to Him to be the director of my life. Fear of exposing myself and guilt kept me from being able to make that commitment.
About a year ago, I went through what I’d have to describe as a personal crisis. Experiencing difficult circumstances at work and fearing job loss due to our economic environment, I reached a low point in my life. I was afraid of losing “everything” and no longer being able to provide for my family. I recalled having a conversation with my brother, John, several months earlier and discussing these tough economic times. I expressed concern of the real possibility of losing my job and John’s response was one I’ll never forget. He said he wasn’t going to worry about it if it were to happen to him because he had faith in God and knew that He would provide for him. I remember thinking, “Gosh, I wish I could feel that way”. I realized it was his faith in God that gave him that sense of peace and my lack of faith that was preventing that same thing for me. One morning while driving to work I was actually to the point of tears and started praying. I confessed my sins and asked Jesus for forgiveness and to direct my life.
Since then I feel Jesus is at work in me, changing my heart and my focus. It hasn’t happened overnight but I’m finding that, in Him, I have peace. John 16:33 says “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Going to Grace has been a wonderful experience for me! Through Grace, I have been encouraged to get connected by joining an ABF. Attending ABF has been a great way for me to develop my spiritual journey with Christ. The staff and people at Grace are truly wonderful people, devoted to encouraging each other in their walk with Christ.
