New Life

Daniel's dad was shot in the heart by a gang member as a part of his initiation.  Daniel's dad miraculously survived. This became the catalyst for him to begin a relationship with Jesus.  He thought that the only reason he was alive was that there must be a God who kept him from dying. 

Years later Daniel observes his dad and his relationship with Christ.  Even though he has had some reservations about religion or God on the whole, Daniel cannot deny the life change that he sees in his dad. 

So as Daniel goes off to college his father implores him to seek after God.  Daniel goes and keeps that in his mind as he has a good relationship with his father and wants to respect him.  

Daniel receives a card in the mail inviting him to check out Cru at UO.  He thinks, “Oh I should check this out in light of my request from my dad.” So he does and we meet and start to share life and experiences.

 
Daniel continues to come to meetings, Bible studies, for dinners and events.  And when asked about Jesus he states that he would like an undeniable experience like his dad’s.  After some reflection I invite Daniel to consider that maybe this year, with all its collective experiences, relationships, and happenstance God moments, could possibly be the experience that he has been seeking. 

Fast forward to this school year, just a few weeks ago, on a visit to Eugene. We reconnect over dinner.  After asking how he is doing spiritually, he describes a moment during Christmas Eve in which he has the strongest feeling he has ever had that Jesus is for him.  He said he wanted to call me, but he didn't because he thought he would be an inconvenience.   Then Daniel matter-of-factly stated that this strong feeling went away.  Daniel described having more feelings like that since then, but not as strong and that they would simply go away. 

I replied to Daniel, "You know Jesus won't force His way into your life, right?”  I quoted Revelation 3:16.  I said, "Daniel, I definitely believe that you are hearing God's voice, but you need to open the door of your heart and life to receive Him.  Jesus won't do that for you." 

After talking about the implications of trusting Christ and some residual objections to Him, I asked Daniel, "Would you like to receive Christ?"  Which Daniel nodded his head and said, "Yes." 

At 7:32p.m. on January 22nd at Tasty Thai in Eugene, Daniel accepted Jesus into his heart.