There is a God

When I was in eighth grade, I decided with full confidence that there was no God. I couldn’t see one, hear one, or sense one in any other way. The case was closed. Anyone who said they believed in God was undoubtedly insecure and their belief was founded solely on fear and ignorance. They were clutching a mythical parent figure. This figure came complete with detailed rules for living so they wouldn’t have to make decisions for themselves. They couldn’t face the hard reality that existence was purely physical.

I began to explore alternate meanings and possibilities of life using my intellect and inclinations. I read books, wrote poetry, and discussed at length with like-minded friends any aspect or dimension of life that caught my interest at the time. I did exercise a moral code (don’t lie, be kind, do your best) but never questioned where it came from or whether it was true and complete.

Not on my list of “don’ts” were drugs, drinking, or sex outside of marriage, and much later, when I was 31, I willingly became pregnant by a young Mexican man I was seeing. He surprised me, however, by returning to Mexico and leaving me stranded. At that point I then surprised myself by becoming very afraid and ashamed. After a few weeks of emotional battle, a friend took me to have an abortion and once the deed had been accomplished (complete with the clinic’s extra dose of valium), I felt relieved.

Always the student, however, I went to the library and got some books on fetal development. As I read about heartbeats at three weeks from conception, followed by brain waves and fully developed fingers and toes by 10 or 12 weeks, the full implication hit me. I was devastated. Murder had not been part of my personal code.

Prompted by some remote notion of penance, I began to attend church. Unlike previous times spent there, I was now hungry for the words of comfort and truth spoken, and I even began to read the Bible at home. After a few months of being drawn closer and closer to God, I said a prayer with a pastor to receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.

From that day forward, for 20 years now, I have not looked back.. I now recognize many things that were hidden from my understanding in eighth grade and beyond, and continue to receive joy and benefit from a growing relationship with my Creator.

This experience of knowing God can be yours as well, regardless of your history or circumstances. You could say a prayer like this one:

"Dear Lord,

I confess that I am a sinner and ask you right now to come into my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I thank you for paying the penalty for my sins by your death on the cross. Please help me to live a new life that is pleasing to you.”

Now be sure to find a Bible-believing church you’re happy with, and begin to learn more about your wonderful new life in Christ. May God bless you.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be trouble and do not be afraid.