Week 4 • Friday

Before I Knew Him
by Tim Williams

Ephesians 2:1-2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air; the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

I was the youngest of three boys. As I grew up, I watched my brothers turn into party animals. Their actions bothered me so much that I vowed it would never happen to me.
After I entered high school, I wanted to be more popular, and my friends at that point wanted to party like everyone else. I resisted for a while, but the temptation was too great, I could not stand on my own. I was not a Christian, and had no effective way to fight the temptation, so I began to party.
One night I was lying in bed after being out with my friends, and I had a vision. Jesus appeared, and he had tears running down His face. I felt His love, and knew He wanted me to stop partying; He wanted me to follow Him! I wish I could say that I committed to Him right then and there, but I didn’t. He remained patient with me. As time went on, that night remained in my thoughts, and it changed my life forever. I finally asked God’s forgiveness and began to follow Him. In Hebrews 2:18 it says, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Even before I knew Him, He knew me! I am also pleased to note, that both of my brothers are now Christians.

Prayer: Lord, help me to lean on You when the temptations come that I can turn away from them and turn toward You. Guide me and give me strength to follow Your path for my life.