Living Life by Design

A young man’s parents split up when he was a child and he was brought up by his alcoholic mother who beat him. When he was fourteen years old, he stood up to her and said he would not accept the beatings any more. The next day she took her own life.

From that moment, he was placed in foster care and became, in his words, ‘pretty nutty really’ – getting into trouble with the police, involved in drugs, and spiralling into an increasingly self-destructive lifestyle.

The young man (now in his 30s) was invited by his girlfriend to A church retreat. On the weekend away, he had a powerful encounter with God. He said, “My group leader, Toby, prayed for me, for the Holy Spirit to come – and I knew that it was happening.” The experience resulted in me crying uncontrollably.

The young man found a secluded place outside. ‘Crying, He prayed for one more sign. He asked for Toby to come out the door. As He asked, Toby walked through the door to look for him.

The young man said, “God is real and he loves me.”

This young man’s personal story has had a powerful impact on many people’s lives. Your story may not be as dramatic, but everyone has a story. Whether you were brought up as a Christian or whether you have only been a Christian for a few hours, your story has power.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:32, “Therefore, anyone who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven.”

Share your story with someone today…