I can very clearly remember the time when an older alumnus was also texting me if I’m also available to talk to him one on one (to me that felt sooooo odd!!!) Finally I was “cornered” in my campus library as I am in the middle of studying for an exam (I think I was studying anyway or just enjoying the aircon).

Kuya Don (the older guy hehehe) shared to me Jesus. It was the first time that I saw someone so passionate in talking about Jesus and it was  the first time that I heard the Good News being presented using almost a bible verse with a matching illustration. He asked for my response and I said yes. I mean the discussion was good although I have no idea about the impact that decision I made. He was very happy and started telling me that angels are rejoicing for that decision I made. To be honest, I was quite indifferent about it, BUT somehow, I know God has already begun working in my life. It was slow, sure but somehow I know I am never the same again.

That 15^th of November is very much like Christmas to me. History prepared for the coming of the promised Savior Jesus and likewise, I know that my very life was being prepared by God. Even though I do not understand why certain things have to happen before I have to meet Jesus, I just take it in faith that God has sovereignly and in his wisdom crafted those moments for that eternal pivotal event: the day Jesus was born in me. The day I was given a new birth. The day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

Ever since that day I was changed. I know I have a far way to go to become like Jesus but I stand with the apostle Paul when he said: “ I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. ¹³ No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,^[d] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” -Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” .- John 15:4. My so called “life verse”, the first Word I received from Him and I know that I cannot do anything apart from Him. It is he who called me and prepared me to receive him.  And indeed I receive more than I thought I could have! Unexplainable crazy joy. Peace that transcends understanding. Unconditional love and abounding grace. A life that is free and is freedom!!!

I stand on his word that “no one can rob [me] of this joy.” This is the day I received this free gift of eternal life which is only available because of his grace, received through faith in the finished work of Christ.