One day, I asked, "Pitaji, when I die, will my obedience set me free from the cycles of births and deaths?"
"Son, there is no guarantee," my father replied. All this obedience and still no assurance.
I was angry, confused and disappointed. Feeling cheated, I made the decision to leave the religion of my forefathers. A few days later I walked into my father's room and told him of my decision to leave Sikhism. My father thought I was joking. I had my hair cut and walked away from the religion.
My life was empty and was so meaningless. I did not understand why I felt so empty. I followed my friends hoping that following their ways could fill my emptiness.
Two years went by, and I still had no answer to my question about life after death. I was tired and wanted to return to sikhism. "Perhaps Sikhism is the answer," I thought to myself as I looked at Guru Nanak's picture. I didn't know that my life was about to change drastically.
"Your God is dead", said my two-day-old friend. "If your God is as dead as mine, you're in trouble," I answered, and went to church with him.
The preacher spoke about sin, forgiveness and the peace with God, "Accept Jesus into your heart and you will have the abundant life - the God-type of life - the bible speaks about. However, you need to surrender all of your life and give all of your heart to Jesus. This obedient life to God will assure you of Heaven."
The preacher quoted John 14:6, "Jesus answered, I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one comes to Father (Heaven), except through Me." My search was over. I walked down the aisle and accepted Jesus into my life.
The peace of Jesus flooded my soul. The emptiness that cigarettes, alcohol parties and friends could not fill was now filled by God. I had a joy I never had before. God's wonderful joy and peace was in my heart.
Soon persecution came into my life and remained with me for many years. There was one time my parents ordered me to get out of the house. I obeyed their instructions. I packed my bags and walked out of the house. Then, suddenly my parents ordered me to get back into the house. Only God in His goodness could have done that.
One day, many years later after the persecutions had ended, I told my father, "Pitaji, I am going to work as a full time church worker."
I thought he would be disappointed with my decision. He was already unhappy with my church commitments and the amount of time I was spending in church. However, his replied "Well, at least you'll be paid for it!'
After ten years, his acceptance of me as a believer meant a great deal to me. I am presently serving the Lord as a full time church worker. Philippians 4:13 is my life verse, "I can do ALL things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me."
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD. - Jeremiah 29:11-12
Leave a Comment: