Everyone in this world is searching for something that will bring them meaning in life. A lot of people look to “worldy” things for fulfillment in life. For some this is sports and for others it could be work, drugs, social life, etc. I have come to realize that TRUE fulfillment is only found through Jesus Christ!
I have been blessed throughout my entire life to be brought up in a Christian home. I was born in Laredo, Texas. My parents were missionaries there on the Mexican border. When I was four years old I moved to South Dakota. In South Dakota, my parents taught at a Christian Boarding School called Sunshine Bible Academy. My parents were Godly examples to my siblings and me. I knew that when I got older I wanted to be like them. There was something different about them that I wanted to have.
When I was five years old, on a Sunday night, at a small church in Miller, South Dakota, I went forward and asked Jesus to become my Savior. After seeing a video at church about Heaven and Hell, I knew that I was in need of Jesus. I repented of my sins and knew that as a result of the commitment that I made to Jesus, I was changed. With God’s guiding hand by my side, I realized that He would guide me every step of the way. He is always faithful! Ever since the day that I was born again, I have strived to live each day to the fullest. In whatever I do and whatever I say, I try to keep in mind that if what I am doing or saying does not honor and glorify God, then I should not be doing it. There have been times that I have failed and fallen short, but that is the amazing aspect of God. He is merciful and will forgive me of my sins if I repent and ask Him to. God is the best friend that I or any person could ever have. He has shown me throughout my life how I must rely on Him.
I claim the verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He truly is all I need. This is a simple verse, but it is quite profound! The reality of this verse came to light when I was in college. I tore my ACL my freshman year in college mid-way through the season. I had never really been injured before, so seeing basketball from the sideline instead of on the court was kind of different for me. ACL rehab can be grueling and is quite intense; there were times when I felt like tossing in the towel and calling it quits. It is at times like these, when trials come into my life, where all I can do is rely on God. Every time I surrender to Him, He gives me enough strength to keep going and pressing on. God is there for anyone, even if we may not think He is.
So many times in my life, I know I take for granted the fact that I can walk around, or that I can see. The reality of it is that none of us are ever guaranteed our next breath. The Lord challenged me to go out each and every day, and rely on God not myself. Reliance and trust in man or this world will only get us so far before failure occurs. If we put our trust in God, we will always succeed.
Success in God’s eyes is not based on wins or losses, but rather whether or not we are seeking and pursuing after Him, striving to deepen our walk and relationship with Him!