DIAMONDS ON OUR DOORSTEP — From your Evangelism Team

Grace

Jim Bates

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. - Psalm 25:7

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me. – John 6:45

I'm reflecting back on my path to life with Jesus Christ as I approach my 55^th birthday this month.  Now, in retrospect, I can see the course that was chosen for me.  It took me until I was in my late 40's to fully realize this.  God's grace is given unconditionally.  Once elected he guides, turns and governs our hearts through the Spirit.

Not that I was a particularly "bad" young man, just a sinful one who drifted and was not focused on God.  I was raised in the Presbyterian Church (PCUS) in Athens, Ga., joined as a teenager, attended Sunday school and sang in the church choir until I graduated from the University of Georgia at age 21.  Although I was a regular attendee on Sunday, my church participation was rather shallow and did not include a personal relationship with Jesus. 

As I left for graduate school in another state and life away from my family and home congregation, I also stopped attending church.  My twenties were a time when I turned away from God.  I was focused on myself, and was not the person I wanted to be.  In fact, I was lost and alone.  But God never gave up on me. 

I wish I could say there was some moment of divine inspiration, enlightenment, or intervention marking when I saw my errors and took the right course.  As I look back, it was more like the turning of the ocean tide as God drew me back to him.  Not too noticeable at first, but the current ran faster with time.  I moved to Greenwood with a new job when I was 31.  It took me a couple of years, but I then joined a Presbyterian congregation where I became an active member. 

God's plan for me became more manifest as he led me to my wife, Mary Jane.  We were married in 1991 and our two daughters, Sarah and Rachel, were born in 1994 and 1999.  He spoke to me through her.  It was Mary Jane who first felt the call to join this congregation.  She knew that our family belonged at Westminster.  It was a strong feeling that could only be Spirit driven. 

A few months after we had joined the congregation my life was changed at our first PFR congregation renewal when I was guided by the Spirit to a personal relationship with our Savior.  Soon after, I was honored to serve as an elder.  My life situation has changed a lot in the past 25 years.  I've been blessed with a beautiful family, great job and good health.  I'm thankful for this congregation.  God has been good to me.  His grace is unconditional.  Those he has claimed, he will never let go.