Only by His Grace

Only by His Grace

God is indeed in the business of changing lives. I stifle a wry smile when I think about my state 365 days ago. I sincerely never knew that I would have met so many new people in such a short time. I never knew that I would be actively involved in the different ministries in church. Ever. Here I was a lonely, lost and depressed soul looking for something that would matter in his life.

I always get a kick out of reminiscing the past year because who I was a year ago and who I am now are two totally different people. And I don't mean to sound cliché-ish but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself being part of the photo and video ministry of my church, CCF.

A year ago, not once have I attended our anniversary in Araneta Coliseum but this year, not only did I have the joy of worshiping at Araneta but I also had the privilege of documenting the event. Never did I imagine that I would get to sing and act for Jzone. (yes, I am now part of the prompters in Jzone) And yes I recently acted for a teaser video that was patterned after the CSI tv series.

I've also done several projects such as marketing collaterals for the different ministries and I've also helped out with some editing of the different videos for the upcoming retreats this sembreak. It is such a rewarding experience because not only do I get to improve and hone my skills (I meant Photoshop skills) but I also get to serve God through the different ministries I'm part of.

If you came up to me exactly a year ago and told me that I was going to do all of the things above, I'd probably scoff at you and say straight to your face that you've probably got the wrong man. I was so focused on getting by with the little precarious moments of levity that I would get from a good conversation or a simple compliment. Anything that made me feel high was my source of fuel. Anything that came close to euphoria, I held onto for dear life. When I think about it, it never really gave me the sense of security that I was looking for. Holding on to the things I thought were significant never gave me the happiness that I was looking for.

Everything that I thought to be important turned out to be an illusion.

That is, until I got reacquainted with Jesus Christ. And after that, my life was never the same again. I can tell you of things you already knew since your grade school days. I could tell you of the man whose great love for you led Him to the path of calvary and eventually to His demise so that all our sins could be forgiven: past, present and future. Yes, even the ones you're planning make. He already forgave you of that. I could get down and theoretical and give you several reasons why the Bible is more accurate and reliable than the historical manuscripts of Plato. I could do all of those things but I won't because every single one of those justifications, every single one of those valid truths pale in comparison to the changed life that I now hold in Jesus Christ.

Like the blind man who was healed by Jesus, I can only say something similar: "I was once hopeless but have now found Hope. I was once unhappy but have now found the only source of Joy. I was once helpless and weak yet now I am supplied with all the Strength I'll ever need."

I didn't find it through religion, I didn't find it through being spriritual. I found everything that changed my life in Jesus. All praise, glory and honor to my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ for His mercies and blessings!