But it is 14 years to the day when I became a Christian. It was the last night of a mission held in our church, during the Decade of Evangelism. The visiting preacher and evangelist was Neil (or Neal) Steadman, from Cumbria. I had been involved in the dramas and youth elements of the mission, and on that last night, Sunday 29th November 1992, he asked people to stand if they had been affected by the week, or had made a decision.
And I stood.
I'm not saying that by standing up I was made a Christian - it was only an outward symbol of what was happening inside, a declaration of sorts. But it definitely happened. No longer was I trusting in myself. I was trusting in Jesus and his cross. No longer did I think I could be good enough for God, and do enough good things for him, or that he would accept me for my goodness. I was trusting in Jesus and his cross, and what God in Christ did for me.
Fourteen years. A long time. I'm not saying I always get it right. I'm not saying it has been a perfect discipleship. I still mess up and get things wrong. And still struggle.
But God who has started a good work in me will bring it to completion. Amen - because I couldn't do it on my own!
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back. No turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me.
The world behind me, the cross before me.
The world behind me, the cross before me.
No turning back. No turning back.
Where Jesus leads me, I'll surely follow.
Where Jesus leads me, I'll surely follow.
Where Jesus leads me, I'll surely follow.
No turning back. No turning back.
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