It is difficult to describe the internal development that took place in my life over twenty-six years ago. One of the ways I describe it is that “God got a hold of my life.” Another way I could say it is that I had a revolutionary experience at my core that had profound effect on the trajectory of my life from then on.

It was a spiritual rebirth marked by 13 words, “God knows me. God made me. God loves me. I belong to Him.”

It was an internal revelation of God marked by His demonstrated love that moved me from deep feelings of fear into an experience of forgiveness and freedom.

The effects of this internal development on me were immediate. Emotionally, I would say, “I was just walking around happy.” Relationally, I went to people I had hurt and sought reconciliation. Personally, I felt enabled to make decisions for myself rather than seeking the approval of my peers. I had gained a healthy humility that was able to love others more while being confident enough to not depend on their approval to gain my value.

Spiritually, I was born-again. My life had become drastically better in a short amount of time and I figured it would always be easy.

What I did not fully realize is that this was only the beginning. I had now entered not only a new life, but a new process of growth and in order to grow I was going to have to fight.

Thankfully, I was not alone.