By: Darla Thaldorf

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

What's your story? Your story, your spiritual journey, is unique and powerful! Are you ready to tell it in 60 seconds or less when the time is right? Recently, our pastor challenged us to write and submit the story of our spiritual journey on the church website, using the three questions below.

1. Before: What was my life like and where was I headed?

Raised in an alcoholic, dysfunctional, and fatherless home, I was filling the God-void in my life through my career and marriage. Both my husband and I were career-minded professionals in corporate America, trying to climb the business ladder. We had been married for two years and were "DINKS" (Double Income, No Kids). Attending church was something we did because it was the right thing to do.

2. During: What was the setting, and what did God show me to lead me to believe in Jesus Christ?

In 1984, my husband and I went to see the Worldwide Pictures (http://www.billygraham.org/wwp_index.asp) movie, "The Prodigal."

The young man in the movie was lost in sin and found Christ, and I related to his family struggles. After the movie, I was given a postcard, which I sent to the Billy Graham Association. I received a follow-up telephone call, as well as copies of the Gospel of John, the Salvation Prayer, and scriptures to memorize. I prayed to receive Christ. God's word came alive for me, literally jumping off the pages of my Bible. Clearly, his 

spirit dwelt within me. I could not get enough of his word, reading it and listening to it via radio.

3. After: What have I been learning? How have I been set free?

In the past year, I have been set free from the lie that God is not really enough. I have learned the truth that God is enough. If I have him, I have all I need (Ps. 23:1; Ps. 73:23-26; Col. 2:9-10). I have been set free from bondage to food, losing 40 pounds in the process. I was made to crave God, not food!

God wants us to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, whether it is a coworker, neighbor, friend or family member. Be prepared!