We had been raised attending Presbyterian churches in our respective communities. Both of us had gone through catechism and confirmation as well, but neither of us were really believers. We had head knowledge about Christ, but a full awakening to His call had not yet come into our lives.
When we met, we were college students. I was studying communications and English at a small college and he was studying engineering at a well known school. In both of our lives, individually, we sensed an emptiness. I tried different churches to find the answers and even went so far as to dabble with the occult never realizing any danger. By God's grace, He protected me from all the things I could have fallen into.
For my husband's part, he found during his scientific studies that there was wonderful order in the universe. He felt that God had to have put it all together, but he also found himself wishing that God would come back to earth to stop the injustice, crime and pain. Both of us were looking for answers.
We became engaged in 1970, and went on with our education. He began professional studies and I started post graduate work at Ohio State University. During that time, we had met a married couple that we developed a friendship with. On one visit to their home, we came in on a conversation they were having with a fellow from Campus Crusade for Christ. He was telling them about Jesus Christ and how one day He would return again to the earth. This captured our attention. We listened until he was finished, and wanting to hear more, we set up a date to meet with him.
Knowing we were planning to be married, we had visited several area churches, but found no real answers there. Now, we would have an opportunity to meet with someone who had intrigued us. He had a real relationship with Christ which we found attractive.
On the appointed evening, he shared his testimony with us. Then, he went through "The Four Spiritual Laws" booklet with us as well. Along the way, he explained to us what sin was and how we were separated from God. He, then, told us how Christ had been the perfect sacrifice that took away our sins. We both heard that inner voice in our hearts that called us to repent and receive the gift of salvation. God had awakened us from our death sleep and quickened our hearts to know Him in full relationship. As we prayed, there was no emotional jolt or giddy high. It was a solemn commitment of our lives to the only One who could really give us both peace.
As our new brother in Christ got ready to leave, he gave us Bibles with the date and time of our commitment written on the front page. He also invited us to a college Bible study for new believers. We agreed to attend because we did want to learn more, and thus, began our 40 year adventure with Jesus Christ.
We were married three months after our commitment to the Lord. With this foundation, our marriage is about to enjoy a 40th anniversary in a few more months. God has brought us through good times, bad times, and all the in between. We have home educated our four children and taught them to follow hard after the Lord in their lives. Now, He has allowed us to be blessed with four going on five grandchildren, and we could not be more content to walk with Him.
My husband and I were living examples of two people who were church members, had been through catechism classes and attended on a regular basis, but we were not Christians. There are many out there like us just waiting for someone to introduce them to the Lord. We never know when someone has a divine appointment with the Lord, but we are commanded to go and tell and leave the rest to God.
Coming to a place in your life where you realize you have a need that nothing or no one can meet could be the turning point for you. I encourage you to seek the Lord while He may be found, and He will never disappoint you. Confession of your sins, sincere repentance of them and complete commitment of your life to Him will open the door to a whole new life. You will be a new creation as my husband and I were on that night in April. Do not tarry. Make that decision to hear His voice when He calls to you. We are so glad that we answered Him when He knocked on the door of our hearts. Selah!I hope you will feel free to share your testimony here. How did you come to Christ? How long have you walked with Him?
2 comments:
so enjoyed reading your testimony , Barb. I think we attended the Presbyterian Church together and must have grown up in it together. Brad and I came to know the Lord much better after so much tribulation surrounding our adopted son, Mike. He was abused and continued to have so many problems over the years. WE turned it all over to the Lord years ago.Mike is currently in prison and our hearts ache for him . We continue to pray for his salvation. Meanwhile we rejoice in our 2 daughters and grandchildren who know the Lord.
Thank you so much for sharing about your journey Judy. Isn't it amazing how we come to a place of receiving the Lord? It may be hardship or difficulty, but His grace is so wonderful that it gets us through all the trials of life. We will join you in praying for Mike's salvation Judy. I pray you have a blessed Easter, and yes, we did go to the same Presbyterian Church in Napoleon. Wow...so many memories! I am grateful that I learned the basics there so that when the time was right, I heard the call of Christ.
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