My Jesus Journey
- Colleen C. Howard
- Mar 26, 2025
- 3 min read
I speak to you an eternal truth; if you embrace my message and believe in the One who sent me, you will never face condemnation. In me, you have already passed from the realm of death and into eternal life! — John 5:24 TPT
Over the years, numerous people have shared stories of coming to Christ. The ones that stick with me are the dramatic stories. They play like an emotional scene from a movie and leave me grateful.
These testimonies are genuine and heartfelt. But just because my story doesn’t have the makings of a blockbuster film or best-selling book, doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. Giving my life to Jesus and surrendering to Him is a
simple story. But remember this—every story of redemption is a miracle.
My Jesus journey began while sitting alone on top of a hill. This sixteen-year-old girl didn’t have a big, dramatic story of redemption, but it was genuine and meaningful—a precious moment when my life was changed forever.
Every story of redemption matters, and this is mine.
I grew up attending church, Sunday school, and youth groups. Yet, never knew about
asking Jesus to live in my heart or surrendering my life to Him. Jesus knew what would
happen in my life before I was born. He knew my family would move from Texas to
Arizona before my sixteenth birthday. He had a plan for me.
Attending a new high school was scary, and by God’s grace, I quickly fell in with a
group of students from a local church. These were Jesus’ kids! They knew Him
and talked with Him in a way that was utterly unfamiliar to me. My life was soon filled
with friends, church, a very active youth group, and a musical ministry that traveled
throughout the country. God knew where this would take me and how I would respond.
Looking back, I can see how the Lord determined my path.
During my second summer in Arizona, the youth from my new church piled on the bus,
and we traveled back to my hometown in Dallas, Texas. At the time, I had no idea we
were headed for the largest Bible youth training event in church history. This Christian youth event was called Explo ‘72.
According to Christianity Today, approximately 35,000 high schoolers flooded into the
Dallas Cowboys Stadium for the five-day event. In addition to the biblical training, there
were featured speakers, musicians, and delegates. Each day was filled with God’s
word from Edward Hill and Billy Graham. Andrae Crouch and the Disciples, Love Song,
and Johnny Cash filled the stadium with worship music. The word of God was
spoken every evening, and at each hotel, a small prayer-praise service was held to
end the day.
After spending a year with my new high school friends, it was at this event that I
accepted Christ as my personal Savior and asked Him to live in and through me. Amid
this huge gathering, I found my way to the top of a nearby hill, alone with my thoughts
and Bible. This is where I met Jesus and immediately knew my life was changed forever. My story was not dramatic or awe-inspiring, but it’s my story of redemption. As
ready as any 16-year-old girl could be, I was off to follow Jesus, praise Him, and bring
glory to His Kingdom.
When I think of my days at Explo ‘72 and time spent with my Christian friends, I truly
see the fingerprints of God. He’s been my expert tour guide throughout my life. One
day at a time, He skillfully directs my path. He comforts me in sadness, holds me when
I feel alone, and gives me strength when I have nothing to offer. He celebrates every
small victory and scatters tiny treasures throughout my journey. What a sweet, sweet Savior we serve.
When I reflect on the powerful words of John 5:24, John is tells us that we’ve already
stepped from the world of the dead into the world of the living. We are no longer waiting for God to save us. We have ALREADY been rescued, redeemed, reclaimed, and renewed.
Never feel your story doesn’t matter. It matters to the God, to the angels who rejoice, and those who encourage you along the way. Be bold enough to share your Jesus journey, it just might change someone's life.
Points to Ponder
● Think of a specific person in your life who’s lonely or having a hard time. How can you be a source of comfort?
● What would it take to share your faith with a friend, stranger, or loved one?
Resource: Christianity Today
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