In a Nutshell - attempt #2

This posting follows "In a Nutshell - attempt #1" (please read it first) as I formulate a 3-minute monologue that shares my Christian testimony. I am taking on this challenge also in response to the Apostle Paul's advice to young pastor Peter:

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . ."
1 Peter 3:15 (TNIV)

So, my testimony, although may include some of my personal history, is more about explaining the hope I have with living my life in Jesus. Here's my attempt #2:

At age 12, during my third annual trip to a Christian summer camp, I became convinced that, first of all, there is a God, and second of all, that Jesus is the Son of God and our Saviour. I accepted Jesus into my heart and asked Him to help me obey and follow Him in all areas of my life. So began the first spiritual chapter in my life consisting of many years of seesawing back and forth between living a faithful life and living a disobedient life. I loved Jesus and loved studying the Bible to learn more about Him and about how He wanted me to live. Unfortunately, I often did not live my life according to what God wanted, so my prayers contained many confessions and requests for forgiveness. In my heart, I knew God forgave me each time. I leaned on Christ’s presence within me especially during the many typical teenage challenges that I faced with my parents, my peers, and the maturing process. But, sadly, I took advantage of God’s forgiveness by frequently behaving in my own wisdom, which was contrary to God’s.

The second chapter of my Christian life, during my twenties and thirties, was a life spent mostly without Christ leading to a search for personal significance. Over time, I kept my belief in god, the impersonal power that created the universe, but left Jesus behind. As a result, a very subtle emptiness grew deep down in my soul leading me to search for life’s meaning in various New Age philosophies. Embracing their versions of self-empowerment for a while, gave me personal strength, but, unfortunately, that feeling did not last as I realized that I could not control my own circumstances. I realized the New Age schemes were empty of real meaning; they did not offer any lasting significance, power, or personal satisfaction. I yearned for a close relationship with God, but looked in all the wrong places. The spiritual darkness that enveloped me which at one time lured me away from Jesus, now actually forced me to call out to God in desperation.

Dire personal circumstances plus relationships with neighbours and business associates who were Christians opened the current chapter of my Christian life. Fortunately, God had his eye on me and ever so gently drew me back to his Son, Jesus, for a more complete relationship. Only in hindsight, could I see that God placed people in my life that offered a Christian perspective on everything. What could I have been thinking all these years? How could I think that I had enough power to affect the outcome of my own life? My heart went from a desperate emptiness to a bursting joy when I recommitted my life to Jesus! In Jesus, I have trust that He will always be with me; strength to accomplish all that He directs me to do; significance because he loved me first; hope to join Him in heaven when I die; and peace to rest in His grace and mercy. The End.

My Comments: Well, did you become convinced that you should check out this Jesus character? Well, this may be slightly improved, but still reads like an essay; still coming from the brain. Where is my heart-felt response? I need to get down to the nitty-gritty of sharing the reason for the hope that I have. Please read "In a Nutshell - attempt #3" . . .