How Jesus Changed My Life

What Was I Like Before Jesus?

As someone who grew up in the church, having a testimony as a kid always felt odd. I wasn’t sure what my testimony was or what it was supposed to be. Every now and then, on a Sunday evening service, we would have times of praise/testimony where people would share their testimony or what God was doing in their lives.

I always felt like I had to have some big, dramatic life event in order to have a testimony. The drug addicts and alcoholics always seemed like they received the most grace during that time; I was neither, so I was unsure how I was supposed to have some life-altering testimony to share with others.

All throughout middle school, high school, and even college, my faith never wavered—I always believed in the Lord and trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The weakness in my life, though, was having a genuine, consistent relationship with Him.

Because of this, I at times drifted further from my relationship with Jesus than I would like to admit. As a young adult, especially, I began to see what limitations I could push. I did a lot of soul-searching and soul-seeking to see who I was and where I was supposed to be in the world (spoiler: I’m a child of God and right where He wants me to be).

I began to seek things and open doors I wish I never had. I began to question my sexuality. I began to wonder if I even had a purpose or a higher calling. I struggled to understand what my identity was supposed to be and what career I was supposed to chase, and rather than lean on my faith, I started to lean on my ideas.

During this time, though, I never lost my faith in Christ, but I definitely struggled to see how it fit in with the rest of the life I was trying to create. I wasn’t trusting Him with everything I had; I was trying to make heads or tails of things myself, which does not work very well!

Looking back, it’s crazy to see how chaotic my life truly was during those first few years of adulthood, even if it didn’t feel that way. I was a young adult wandering through life aimlessly. Even with the challenges I brought on myself, I still grew and learned many valuable lessons during that period.

In the midst of that wayward period, I still saw God come through for me time and time again—He even protected my friends and me in a near-deadly car accident. I saw God move and knew He was always right there with me. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I couldn’t live life on my own.

How I Met Jesus

I remember as a young child asking my mom how to ask Jesus into my heart. She walked me through the prayer and how to take my next step in faith. I believe that was the point my faith journey started.

I went to a Christian school and went to church every week with my family. I learned the things to say and what to believe, and had no doubt that Jesus Christ had saved me, but it took a long time for the work He did on the cross to set in. I knew how to walk the walk and talk the talk, but I was living out a very legalistic life and not one that was out of love and appreciation for what Christ had done.

One day, things finally sank in. August 20, 2017, I remember truly dedicating my life to Jesus in Smiths Ferry, ID; that was where the head knowledge became true heart knowledge and belief.

I was up there to watch the solar eclipse the following day. That morning, though, one of the pastors from my church came up to Chapel in the Pines in Smiths Ferry (at the time it was a satellite church of ours) to give a brief sermon that morning for all of the visitors for the eclipse. During that sermon, I felt the strongest pull I’ve ever felt that God was trying to get my attention—He wanted me to fully commit my life to Him.

I couldn’t resist His calling, and, in obedience, rededicated my life to Him that day and was baptized in the freezing-cold Payette River. I met Jesus when I was just a child, but that day I understood who He was and what it really meant to have Him in my life.

Why My Life is Different Because of Jesus

After that moment of obedience, I instantly felt a change internally. I could tell God was already working on me from the inside out. Over the next few days, weeks, and months, I could tell a change in my life’s trajectory.

Shortly after that, I met my wife for the first time, and now we have built a beautiful life together. I started to get my finances in order after living carelessly and being reckless with my money, and now I live a debt-free life. I was enrolled in a degree I was highly looking forward to pursuing, even though I don’t use it anymore; that led me to my current job and career I’m working towards. I was beginning to quickly see what God had to offer my life just by following Him intently and (no pun intended) religiously pursuing Him regularly.

Looking back at who I was 10, 20 years ago, I am a completely different person. Part of that comes with maturing as you get older and wiser from life’s lessons, but I attribute much of the growth in my life to a loving God Who cares deeply for me and wants a relationship with me. That relationship I have with Jesus is the most important thing in my life now.

I am not proud of everything I’ve done in the past, but who is? What I am proud of is the fact that I serve a risen Savior—one Who loves me! He has carried me through all of life’s challenges, and I now trust Him completely with everything.

If you asked me ten years ago what my life would be like in a decade, I would not have been even close to where I am now. I have an amazing wife and daughter, a career I love, various positions to serve in at my church, and so much more! Take all of that away, though, and I still have a wonderful Creator who loves me and calls me His own.

I wouldn’t trade the world for my relationship with Him, and all it takes to start that relationship is one baby step of faith and obedience. Let God take care of the rest. Will you choose to follow Him today and see where He takes you?