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“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

I’ve always loved hearing people’s stories. How they grew up, the choices—wise and foolish—they’ve made through their lives, their struggles, their triumphs. We’ve all been on a tumultuous journey to get to where we are…and it’s always breathtaking to travel someone’s path with them through their story. One of my lifelong favorite quotes is by Longfellow: “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”

When I became a Christian as a 30-year-old, I discovered another kind of story that every believer can share—the moment (or slow unveiling) when they realized they were far from God and needed to turn back to Him…the point at which the decision is made to give up the sinful pursuits of this world and give it all to Jesus (who gave it all for us, exchanging our sin for His righteousness). The “churchy” term for this is “testimony”—and every single Christian has one. And it’s always breathtaking.

It’s funny to me, though, because I’ve met lots of Christ-followers through the years who say, “Well, my testimony is so boring.” This typically comes after someone shares a radical transformation, say from drug addiction or a life of sexual sin to the amazing grace and freedom found in Jesus. And these types of dramatic stories are awe-inspiring! But, friend, there is no such thing as a “boring” story of salvation.

Let’s look at the very familiar parable of the prodigal son. A young man who has been safe and provided for in his father’s house decides to go out on his own, chasing after the things of this world. Once he is totally spent (financially, emotionally, spiritually), he turns back home. Before he even arrives, his waiting father runs to him, welcoming him home with celebration (Luke 15:11-32).

Prior to surrendering to Jesus, every one of us has that turning-back moment (to be “churchy” again, we call that “repentance”). And it is profound—and radical—for everyone! Why? Because a transformational phenomenon has taken place! When we choose to reconcile with God through Jesus, we immediately and miraculously move from the darkness into the light, from slavery to sin to freedom in Christ.

Maybe you never left the proverbial front porch of your father’s house, e.g., you grew up in a Christian home and were saved at VBS when you were five. Perhaps you were one who wandered out into the yard, but before you stepped into the street you realized going further wouldn’t be smart—so you went home. You may have roamed into town, experiencing lots of the world (say, through high school and college-age years) when your eyes opened to the eternal dangers. Or, like me, you may have found yourself wallowing with the pigs before you thought, “This my-way life has got to change.”

Friend, whatever your story—whenever and however you came to accept the free gift of saving grace—it is profound and radical! It is a miracle because you were once lost, and now you’re found! You are a miracle.

Now, go tell someone.

“Lord, I was blind and lost—but You came to rescue me. Thank You for the miracle of salvation. May I be bold and unashamed to share this story of amazing grace with others.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life