Before I Trusted Christ
I was eight years old when my parents broke off. We are only two my brother who was 12 years younger than myself. I was so bitter with my mother for leaving us. However, I promised myself to work my way through school despite of the circumstances. I was lost and emotionally crippled, bereft of love of parents whom I considered selfish and did not think but them. Hardships and difficulties almost stop me from pursuing my ambition to know more but I pursued my life with crippled emotions. Unknown fear was instilled in my heart. I promised myself that whenever I get married I will make my marriage beautiful. That was my ultimate goal in life. I ventured through life independently seeking knowledge more intently to achieve my dream. God is good that despite of my being emotionally crippled He did not forsake me. It was in January 10, 1970 , He gave me a loving and understanding wife who passed on 11 years ago. We have two beautiful children a girl and a boy. Although God blessed me with a good life and a beautiful marriage, it was not until after two years of our marriage that I learned the idiosyncrasies of love and the real meaning of what is love.
It was in April of 1972 when I was invited to a businessmen’s breakfast when I gave up my life to the control of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:28 touched my heart “For all things works together for good to those who love God according to His purpose.” What is God’s purpose? Everything I did and done was according to His purpose, even my attendance to that breakfast meeting was planned by God for I learned that He created me to be with Him but my sin of unbelief separated me from Him. And, that my sin cannot be removed by my good deeds. It was Jesus who died for me to pay the price for my sin and He rose again and when I trust Him alone I will have eternal life and will be with Him forever.
From a fearful person without direction to a love-driven one and a life directed disciple.All my fears and insecurities were gone because of my new found belief that God was truly my father who took care of me while my paternal parents went on their own. I started to value the relationship I have with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and so with my wife, children, relatives and friends compared to what they had been in the past. My work and business was no longer a difficult task but a glorious journey towards serving my Lord and my friends as well. Changed focus from self to others as I enhanced the lives of people who have crossed my path along my journey with the Lord Jesus inme. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but with humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but alsoto the interests of others.” (Phil.2:3,4).My personal and interpersonal relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ gives me satisfaction and contentment. His grace is sufficient and as I am in Him moment to moment, it becomes easier to see that the things in which I invest my time, talent and treasure will surely give my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ significance for it is all for His glory and honor.GarryGarrido 916-753-9842