Doug Johnston
First of all, I want to express my gratitude to be able to confess my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ before all men, in this modern means of communication. Jesus is the Son of the Living God. He was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life. He died, was buried and rose from the dead into newness of life, to sit at the right hand of The Father. And, no matter what, He loves me and He loves you too.
For most of my adult life, if you asked me about myself, I would tell you that I was a hard worker and a good family man, with a wife and three kids. I would also tell you that I was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I would go on to say that I was a patriotic American and, almost as an afterthought, I would mention that I was a Christian too. I believed in Jesus and had been baptized, for remission of my sins, but I felt like I had everything under control. I didn't feel like I needed to depend on Jesus for any additional help.
Then, on June 10, 2003, I received my richest blessing. I was almost killed in a steel mill accident, that laid me up for over 4 months, and put me through 7 operations, with severe neck and leg injuries. I say that this was a blessing, because Jesus loved me enough to knock me flat on my back, so He could get my attention. I found myself in situations that I couldn't handle alone. Whether it was facing an operation to put my leg and ankle bones back together, or laying on a cold stainless steel operating table, waiting to have some of my neck vertebrae fused together, I prayed to Jesus and he was there for me.
I realized that Jesus has always been there for me. I just never had the time to stop and think about it before. And I never dwelled on the fact that without Jesus I am nothing and have nothing. With Jesus I am rich beyond measure and can face whatever lies ahead.
I love the Lord and want to live the rest of my life in a way that will glorify His Holy Name.