My 49th Spiritual-Birthday

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

    they shall walk and not faint.

Today on March 9^th I celebrate my 49^th spiritual birthday. Over a lifetime, one has many testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and His presence in significant ways during specific seasons, but today I am going to be vulnerable and share with you about what led me to dedicate my life to serving and loving Christ, knowing Him as my Savior, Counselor, and Friend as well as God.

I have always struggled to view my testimony as dull and boring, because it doesn’t have a bunch of drugs, alcohol, or sex in it. Have you felt that way?

I was raised in a typical Christian, church-going home, and lived a pretty blessed life, comparatively speaking. While most of my friend’s parents were getting divorced and re-marrying, my parents were faithful. And that same faithfulness flowed over to their discipline of going to church every Sunday and being involved in church ministry. I grew up going to Sunday School, and sitting in church every Sunday, and had no doubt in Jesus’ existence. It was natural for me as a young boy during Sunday School to ask Jesus to fprgive me of my sins and be my Savior.

Looking back over my life, I can see evidence of God’s faithfulness, guidance and protection in my life.  It is evidence to me that He chose me before I knew Him. As His adopted son, it deepens my loyalty and love for Him.

Isaiah 40:31, became a motto and meditation for my life.  This powerful verse has been highlighted in many ways in my life. Becky and I made it our life verse the day we were married. As we dedicated each of our wonderful sons we used this verse. When we faced a trying time in our life and we decided to start a business the name of our company was taken from this verse “R and B On Wings of Eagles, LLC.” As we look at this verse we are continually reminded me of the bigger picture as we go through every struggle in life.

So I am excited to say that Forty Nine years ago, today I began a journey of growing in Christ and finding my identity and purpose in Him.  Of course, our journey growing in Christ doesn’t end, it is a life long journey! And there is more I could share with you about how I have experienced God, and grown in Him over the last 49 years, but this is to share with you about when God and I began our intimate relationship as Savior and Sinner Saved by Grace. 

I realize that while my testimony may seem simple to you, and not worth writing about or reading. In fact, you may even believe the lie that your testimony isn’t very powerful either. You story is significant! It’s contributed to your faith journey, it’s where you began, after all. I would encourage you thank God for all the many blessings He has given you, including choosing you to be a part of His forever family, regardless of how dark or mild your past is.

I would love to hear your story. How did you meet Jesus? And when is your birthday in Jesus?

Dear Lord, We praise you for all you have done in our lives. We thank you for coming to save us from our sins, so that we might have a reconciled relationship with you and one another. Help us to guard our hearts against believing untruths about who we are and to focus on Who we are in You! Thank you for forgiving us, and loving us as your own child. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.