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There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12 NIV

Before I knew YOU, I lived my life my way. I did what I wanted, when I wanted. I came and went as I pleased, not having to give thought to others. It was all about me.

Then I met YOU and got to know YOU. YOU changed everything.

I thought I had it all... but I was missing something worth more than anything I could ever buy.... it's called hope and it's only something YOU can give.

Before I knew YOU, I was confused about spiritual matters, especially the existence of God. I was brought up in a family that believed in God, but we never talked about Him. We didn't go to church. We only prayed on special occasions. I don't really remember learning much about Jesus and definitely nothing about the Holy Spirit. I wanted to know more, but I didn't know where to go. I thought I met you at the first church I visited when I was in high school. But I couldn't figure out how someone like YOU could be in a place where they judged and condemned a man for his past. He had come to change his life and he was turned away. I just didn't understand that.

I also read books in my high school English class that talked about being an agnostic, an exetentialist, and even an atheist. I thought about all of those - wondering what did I believe. There were times when I thought about being one of those, but none of that felt right either.

I didn't know what to believe and I definitely didn't know you.

I went my own way for a while. I thought I knew where I was going. I thought I knew what I wanted and what was best for me. It worked for a while, but not long.

I was wrong. I was lost. Completely lost.

I had no hope. I didn't know what grace or mercy was. I knew guilt and shame over the mistakes I made.

And then one day, in the midst of my darkest day, I cried out to YOU. It wasn't a casual prayer thrown up to YOU and me then going on my merry way. No, this was a prayer from the heart. It was a gut-wrenching prayer.

I found myself on my knees, crying, weeping - and I'm almost certain I heard YOUR voice.

YOU told me YOU loved me and that nothing I had done or could ever do would change that.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV

I had never experienced anything like this before. You mean to tell me there is someone out there who loves me no matter what?

Who wouldn't want a gift like that?

YOU rescued me in the midst of my despair. YOU gave me hope. YOU gave me purpose. YOU gave me peace.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:7 NIV

I will rejoice and sing YOUR praises all of my days. I want everyone to experience the hope I have found in YOU.

If you are lost, empty, feeling alone, in need of love, in need of hope - let me introduce you to Jesus Christ. He has something He'd like to offer you... the gift of hope and eternal life. Just talk to Him. He's near. He just wants to hear from you. Call out to Him and He will come to you and heal your broken places.

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The Second Sin

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