Once I Was Lost

I’m not too old that I can’t remember Forty-Two years ago.  It seems like yesterday.  I will never forget the place or time it happened to me.  It was the turning point of my life.

I was headed down a wide road to destruction when I met a man that told me that he had a better way of doing things.  I was headstrong, hardhearted and hell-bent on doing things my way, so I was taken-a-back when he addressed me so.  He knew my weaker points, but saw what I could become if I listened to his words of encouragement and relinquished my will to his.

It was like surrendering, not to an enemy combatant or foe, but to my surprise it was like coming home after a long, hard fight on the battle field of life.  It was like trading captivity for freedom; nothing for something; bad for good; confusion for harmony; and conflict for rest.  Peace was the bottom-line exchange that he wanted to give me; and it was free.  All I needed to do was reach out and receive it.

He was no ordinary man; not someone you planned on meeting when starting your day.  Most days were filled with misery and pain, because of my lifestyle.  This gentle giant did something that no other man could do.  He was aware of my need and saw me for what I was.  Even through my anger he felt the anguish and heartache that burdened my soul.  I was lost, needing a friend.  He was touched by the feelings of my infirmities and wanted to become my friend.

This man, full of wisdom, understood me like no other person.  It seemed he knew my questions before I asked them, and the reasons that I was the way I was.  Tenderly, without malice or condemnation, he offered me a better solution for my rebellious spirit.  He asked me if I was tired of running.  You see, I was at a full sprint going in the opposite direction from where I needed to go.

This amazing person took the time to tell me that he cared for me and was concerned for my wellbeing.  I couldn’t believe it when he told me that he died on a cross for my redemption.  I was a sinner with no hope or future, but now I have something to shout about, because Jesus lives in my heart.  The person I once was is gone.  All things have become new, because of God’s grace.  I want to tell the world of His saving power and the peace that He gives.

Once I was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see; was a sinner, but now redeemed; all because Jesus loved me enough to say to the Father in heaven, “Have mercy upon his soul!  I gave my life for him!”  I cannot thank Him enough!

Written by,

Papa Boyd