If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?

It is a question our culture doesn’t like us to ask. It has become cliche or not PC to discuss such topics. Live life in the moment, indulge in the things of the world. It’s hard for us to even imagine dying sometimes or suffering living in America. So much affluence, so much excess surrounds us. And yet, there is no other question that is more important than this.

If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?

Christianity has become less and less popular in America. It’s easy to see how the media has portrayed religion and Christians as fanatics or crazy. I see it on a regular basis. This makes it easy for us to ignore the truth behind Christianity; it can be easily dismissed.

I’ve seen the worst of Christianity, but I have also seen the best of Christianity. As long as we look to religion and people to guide us on our journey, we will always be disappointed. Let’s not forget that it was the religious leaders of the time that persecuted Jesus the most and ultimately led to his crucifixion.

However, I believe that we can no longer use religion as an excuse to avoid this question, to avoid the truth of who Jesus is and the truth of accepting Him into our lives; to have a relationship with Him. We all have a responsibility to answer this question.

We also need to be careful about believing the lie that we all serve the same God, with just different names. There is a difference. Only Jesus rose from the dead and died on the cross for your sins. Jesus is the only one who gives us salvation as a free gift.

How does this pertain to overcoming abuse?

Without Jesus, true healing cannot be experienced. We may be able to put band-aids on some of the wounds of our past or we may be able to use our sheer will to get us through certain circumstances, however, this will only take us so far. True, life-changing healing and deliverance can only take place through Him. He is the way, the truth and the life.

You may be asking, how do I know if God is real? The truth is, that you will never be able to answer this question unless you seek Him.

If you seek me, you will find me if you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

I will however, answer this question from my perspective with the hopes of encouraging you to take this step of faith to find Him.

How do I know God is real?

There have been so many instances where I have seen the miraculous power of God in this world. You can read about how He miraculously delivered me from abuse here.  You may still be skeptical so, I’ll share another more tangible example with you.

I know someone who was a meth addict in their early 20’s. If you know anything about drug addiction, you know that it alters the way your brain thinks, you lose your conscience and it alters your physical appearance as well. He had gotten down to less than 100 pounds, was full of acne, and his hair had even turned color; he was on a downward spiral.

One night, after a scary incident had taken place, he took his bible (one of the few possessions they had), and read Proverbs 7.  He describes it as though he saw the truth of his life staring at him in the face and he knew he had to change. That night, he repented and gave his life to the Lord. The next morning, when he woke up, his physical appearance had completely changed. His hair color changed to bright blonde, his face had completely cleared up from the acne, and he never used meth again. If you see him today, his physical body is very muscular, healthy, and strong.

Now, anyone who has experience with meth addicts will tell you that it is one of the most difficult drugs to overcome and most people don’t ever stop using it. What happened that night was nothing short of a miracle. And even more importantly than his physical appearance, he will tell you that his conscience changed; his character. God completely changed him from the inside out.

Only God can do this. Only a miracle-working, loving God can take someone so broken, heal them, and restore their lives. This is exactly what He did for me and it is exactly what He can do for you, if you let Him.

If you have never given your life to Christ and you are ready to, or if you have given to your life to him but have since drifted away, I would encourage you to pray this simple prayer:

Heavenly Father, I confess to you that I have not lived my life for you. I confess to you that I am a sinner. I see now that without you, my life will never be fulfilled. You are the great physician and healer and I need you in my life. I ask that you would forgive me for my sins and cleanse me of my unrighteousness. I ask you to come into my life; be Lord over my life, lead me, guide me and direct me in a way that pleases you. I give my life to you this day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

If you’ve prayed that prayer, then you know the answer to the question. You now know where you will spend eternity, with Him. The enemy may try and discourage you saying that a simple prayer can’t change the direction of your life, but it can.

Seek Him, read your bible and you will discover the most incredible love you have ever known.