A Decision I Have Never Regretted!

Most people have many wishes and many make New Year's resolutions - decisions about things they would like to improve. However, because we are human, our feelings go up and down. One day we want one thing, and the next day we want something completely different. My experience was that Jesus spoke in my heart, that He wanted me to give my whole life to Him. I made a conscious decision to not reject that voice but to give myself completely to Jesus. That is a decision I will never regret! It has given me so much. The lusts that dwell in our flesh are very strong. They draw and entice you. But I remember there was a day, I think I was 17 at the time: I became so tired of everything that bound me in my thoughts. I could not find freedom. I was tempted every single day with sinful thoughts. I have a sinful nature, of course. Then the thought came to me so strongly: You can overcome this; you must not think this way! I decided,quite simply, that this would not have power over me, and then I prayed to God. Since that day I have had power in my life. The decision I made, to live completely for God, is not like other wishes or resolutions; It is a decision that lasts your whole life! Before I gave my heart to God, I lived seeking the things I thought that I wanted; trying to look good, having fun and drinking, and the opposite sex - everything that I thought would make me happy. But I always found a void within, an emptiness. I personally have made a decision to replace impurity with purity, and replace impatience with patience. I am convinced that I will be able to hold onto these decisions, as long as I hold on to God and the help I receive from Him. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) My battle is to hold firmly to my decision of always keeping my heart pure in every sitation I face. God has promised to give me the power I need to do His will. It is written in one place, "Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off." (Proverbs 23:18 ESV) My hope is to be freed from everything that dwells in my sinful nature. I have let Him guide my whole life - all my time, my thoughts, my freetime, everything. God is the One who decides. I know that I do not need to fear the future because even if something difficult happens, I know that nothing that happens will be too difficult to manage. I have experienced many times that when I pray, God helps me. And He will do that my whole life! My future is very bright! It is written, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) And with that verse in my heart, and with the faith I have received in my heart, it can only go well!