Summary: The lyric from rapper Jay-Z that says, “life starts when the church ends” typifies my early view of life and God. Life stopped at the doorway to church and restarted again on the way out each Sunday. I kept church in a bubble that burst soon after I started college. When I went to college, I thought I could finally live life. My rebellion began when I woke up in the morning and ended when I passed out. Life was girls, alcohol, and parties, and I was determined to live it for the long haul. In my eyes, I had been liberated from the restrictions of God and church. It took me years and many tough lessons to realize that I was far from free. My choices were ensnaring me in emptiness and despair. When I accepted Christ, I discovered life in abundance. It took time in God’s Word, prayer, and spiritual growth, but God changed my plan in a radical way. In place of selfishness and emptiness, I found love and compassion. In place of recklessness, I found purpose. Friend, God wants to give us so much more to live for than just ourselves. All we have to do is accept His offer of New Life. To pray with someone, right now, call 1-888-NEED-HIM. This is Andrew Palau.
