A Life of True Purpose
I once thought I had it all figured out. In 1977, I was living the high life – 50% owner of a thriving business, a Ph.D. under my belt, and a loving family with three kids. I attributed my success to my own intelligence, willpower, and academic achievements. My ego was inflated, and I believed I could conquer anything as long as I put my mind to it.
A Different Perspective
But my 20-year-old son Alan saw things differently. He tried to share his faith in Jesus Christ with me, but I was too proud to listen. I thought I didn’t need God; I could handle everything on my own. In fact, I was so convinced of my own self-sufficiency that Alan’s pastor doubted I would ever become a Christian.
A Wake-Up Call
Tragedy struck when Alan fell critically ill and was hospitalized. As I stood outside the emergency room, feeling helpless and lost, I realized I wasn’t in control after all. My world was turned upside down, and I didn’t even know how to pray.
A Newfound Faith
As Alan recovered from his ordeal, he shared his unwavering faith with me. He said, “God is in charge. If His purpose is to bring you to Christ through my suffering, then it’s all worth it.” I was taken aback by his conviction. As I read the Bible to him daily, I began to understand its true meaning and discovered the real Jesus. My son’s faith, combined with the Bible’s teachings, led me to accept Jesus as the true Son of God.
A Life-Changing Decision
A month later, I surrendered my life to Christ, asking Him to take charge and be my Lord and Savior. I knew God wanted me to live a more meaningful life. Alan was overjoyed when I shared the news with him, having prayed for years that his father would find eternal life.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Just three weeks later, Alan slipped into a coma and eventually passed away. Though grief-stricken, God granted my wife and me an unexplainable peace and hope. The Bible says that when we’re in Christ, we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This was certainly true for me.
A New Priorities
Today, God takes center stage in my life, followed by my family and business. I no longer rely solely on my own knowledge but seek God’s guidance in making daily decisions. I’ve discovered that His infinite wisdom far surpasses my own. Most importantly, I’ve found joy in my life, regardless of circumstances, knowing that I have eternal life to look forward to.
Redefining Success
So, how do you define success? Why not ask Jesus for His definition? If you don’t know Jesus, consider praying this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the person You want me to be.”
If you prayed today, we’d love to hear from you.
Leave a Reply