When I was a young teenager, I was very active in my church. Because I had been in church since I was a baby, I knew how to act and talk like a Christian. I even won a plaque for memorizing the most Bible verses in one class. But the more I learned, the more I realized something was missing inside me and that basically my life was meaningless.

I realized it didn’t matter how many times I went to church or how much of the Bible I learned, because in God’s eyes, I was a sinner. I had to ask God to forgive me for my sins and to be Lord of my life. Outwardly, I doubt if people could see a big difference in my life. But it had changed! Then my life had a purpose. I didn’t want to memorize scripture to win a prize…I wanted to study the Bible so I would know what God wanted to say to me. And I wanted to share that with other people.

I am so thankful that I made that decision at a young age. For over 45 years now, I have had and continue to have problems, but God has always been right by side through every problem. And in all that time, I have never doubted that I would go to heaven and spend eternity with Him when I die. Today I can say with confidence…my life has real meaning and purpose.