My God Is Life (Part I)

by Samuel W.

The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that understand, and seek God.” Psalm 14: 1-2

I was once that stupid youngster who said there is no God. First, let’s take a walk down memory lane, I’ll show you how I got here. I was privileged to be raised in a Christ-centered home. The first book I remembered reading was the bible. I had a daily devotional bible that I enjoyed reading. I read the whole Bible three (3) times before I turned 13. When I was younger, I had tea every morning with my Grand Mom before going to school. She used the opportunity to explain the word. Those moments and interactions impacted me and helped me navigate a complex environment: I grew in a Muslim dominated community.

Everyone looks and speaks the same language, but I had a different experience- I am Christian. I got teased for my faith. Christ was the center of my existence and the guiding principle in everything. My passion for Christ defined the structure and discipline that helped me excel in these different spaces. I did not have any hatred towards anyone. I enjoyed a peace that surpasses all understanding in a hostile environment.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

As a teenager, I started interacting with the world more than I did with my family. I was introduced to a knowledge that puts you in bondage to this world. I met and interacted with teachers and adults that challenged the traditional values that molded me. They used tactics that made it seem that my Christian knowledge and value system is archaic and unreal. I hung around more academics and read a lot. I finished at least a book a week. As I read more and engaged in worldly inquisitions, the more I became lost. I started challenging my parents and looked at them as if they were outdated and old fashion. I was not aware that I was heading to the path of destruction. I became entangled with the foolishness of the world and unknowingly destroying my soul. I was lost. I became consumed with fear and anxiety. The more knowledge of this world I sought, the more I felt a void in my life. Even though I was mad at the world, I kept consuming its garbage. I exposed myself to the vices and manipulations of this society. I was not happy with who I was and confused because I took everything upon myself, and I became burdened by the worries of this world.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

Though I was still going to church, I did not have any relationship with Christ. Thus I was restless. I unknowingly became intertwined with carnal Christianity that serves the forces of this world and keeps people in bondage to this world. I had a solid upbringing in the true gospel of Christ, which defined my family’s culture and values for centuries.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

Therefore, I saw the deception in the church that does not serve Christ. I saw church systems and doctrines that serve as tools to keep people in bondage to the states, the markets, and other forces of this world. The church systems turned me off. I knew something was wrong. I did not realize I needed God more in my life but sought him in the wrong places. I became that foolish youngster who said there is no God. As we all know, the devil lurks around to kill, steal, and destroy. The devil does not give freely. I had a breakthrough a few years ago that made me realized my God Is life, and He promised me life everlasting if I heed to his words and ways. That was the beginning of my transformation that got to know and love Jesus Christ and strive to walk in His light….
(To be continued)