A real God working in real people's lives...

Inspiration

I was taken to church from a young age and as far back as I can remember I always believed in God and the Bible. Despite believing these things it never really impacted my life and as I grew older I started to care less about church and God.

When I was 15 I went on a Christian summer camp (for the activities and not the 'Bible bit'), but as the week went on I found myself listening in a way I'd never done before. One of the talks was on what it meant to be a Christian; it's about being in a relationship with God. As the preacher spoke it suddenly hit me that for the past 15 years I'd presumed I was a Christian because I went to church and knew lots about the Bible.

I was genuinely afraid because I knew the wrong things I did in my life offended God and no amount of knowledge could change that. He explained that you needed to tell God you're sorry for the things you've done wrong, thank Him for sending Jesus to die to take the punishment you deserve and ask Him to forgive you. I realised at that moment I needed forgiveness and only God could provide it. I prayed a simple prayer and knew instantly I was truly forgiven.

As a Christian I still do things every day that offend God, but I know it's by His grace I'm forgiven and not by my own merit.

by John from Harrogate