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It's always exciting to me to listen to a testimony of someone who might have been living a sinful lifestyle or a lifestyle of which most of us would not approve. To hear how these individuals suffered through life's struggles, discovered Christ, and are now living their life with renewed Faith and Confidence is truly inspiring. It's always motivating to hear from someone who had drug or alcohol issues or perhaps a prison life and has been able to turn the corner and renew their life.<br />
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My testimony is not that exciting or dramatic, or perhaps even that inspiring. I have no doubt that accepting Christ at an early age kept me from some of these issues, troubles, and lifestyles that others may have experienced. I haven't had the dramatic swings from a troubled childhood to a stellar citizen. In fact, my life has been fairly consistent, and probably boring, as compared to some folks. I suppose that my testimony is that of an &quot;average joe&quot; who trusted Christ at an early age and who, despite having made many, many mistakes, has simply tried to do what is right.<br />
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I always knew and believed that there was a God and that there was someone bigger than me, or us. It wasn't until I was 12 years old that I learned that it wasn't just knowing God or knowing about God that was important, it was developing a relationship with Him that made the difference. I could thank my Mother for that inspiration. Despite her many medical issues, she always remained a positive example to me and my brothers and, over time, I learned that it was her Faith that gave her that strength. It was my Mom that planted the early seeds of faith in my heart.<br />
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I was a always a fairly lonely person, especially during my late elementary school, early high school years. I always had one or two close friends, but never a lot of friends. I was never the life of the party. Never one to go to parties, do a lot of dating, or any of those social activities. I was pretty much to myself most of the time, falling back on the safety and comfort of our family. It was a fairly depressing time and I was always wishing and hoping that I could be more popular or be more like some of my outgoing friends.<br />
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When I was 13, I was fortunate enough to have a good relationship with our Youth Minister of our Church at the time. It was his relationship with me and the fact that he cared about me as a person which ultimately showed me that I needed a relationship with Christ. I'm fully convinced that without the early seeds that my Mom had planted and the later seeds planted by this Youth Minister taking an extra interest in me, I would not have taken the steps to accept Christ.<br />
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Once I made the decision to accept Christ at 13, my life changed. As I said earlier, I wasn't necessarily a bad person, by the world's standards. But something was different. I felt like I now had a purpose, even if I really didn't know what that purpose was at age 13. I felt like I was part of something bigger than me for the first time and that I had a Savior with whom I could have a close relationship, something I had been missing in my personal life.<br />
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As time moved on, I survived the High School years, went to College, and was blessed to meet my wife of 30 years now. Two children and two grandchildren later, I'm still thankful for my Mom and that one Youth Minister who, to this day, probably have no idea of the impact they had on my life. <br />
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Most likely, I'll never be well known or famous. I'll never be wealthy by the world's standards. I'll never be great by any standard. But, I can say with all my heart that my life has been different since accepting Christ. I pray that if you are searching for a difference in your life, that you too will accept Christ. I know that I am one of His Children and that gives me Courage For Today.<br />
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&quot;Mike Weaver lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area . &quot;<br />
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Email Mike Weaver at mike@couragefortoday.com