As a brief run down I grew up in a Christian family. I was depressed in mid/high school, and it was when a friend died after my senior year that i got shook up enough to realize I wasn’t actually relying on God. Before that He was just a piece of information. That really started my journey toward Jesus, and the years following have been nothing but boring!

I remember my Mom & Dad asking me questions about what I had done, and then my Dad taking me over to the pastor’s house (which was a half block from where we lived). I told the pastor what I had done, and Dad and the Pastor talked a while. I was sitting on the porch and looked up and saw the bright moon. I remember feeling full of God’s love and being in awe of God.

Later, in my particular church environment, I was encouraged to doubt this decision. I can remember praying many times “Lord, if I’m really not saved, please save me.”

In Bible College, I came to the Lord and prayed over the first few chapters of Hebrew. I felt that God gave me peace about my salvation and I didn’t strongly doubt my salvation again. I realized I didn’t have to say magic words or anything, it was God who does the saving.

A few years later I did go through a crisis time where I came to believe perhaps I had never been saved (else why would I struggle with different sins?). I again found rest in God’s love, and at the time claimed I had truly been saved for the first time. Looking back on my life prior to that, I can see fruit of the Spirit and evidence of God’s working in my life.

When it all comes down to it, I don’t have to know the exact date. I know God is mercifully dealing with me still. Jesus is lovely to me, and although at times it is painfully slow, I am progressing in sanctification.

My call is to honor God, and I do believe He has gifted me for pastoral ministry. I am working to that end and seeking God’s provision and grace to find me faithful enough to be placed in ministry.

Thanks for the fun contests, Shaun.

Blessings in Christ,

Bob Hayton