Why do I believe in Jesus?

I was addicted to drugs, lust, and was an alcoholic. I tried many times to stop. I was successful in "cutting back", but the desire was still there. Given the right circumstances and opportunity, I couldn't help myself. Then in mid-November 2017, I fasted and prayed for a day.

"He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." Psalm 40:2

I was not fasting and praying to quit those addictions. In my mind (and by the world's standards) I had those things under control. For months leading up to this I had been trying different things, attempting to better myself in new ways; soul searching if you will. I was trying this fast, to see what would happen. When I researched it, I found that biblically, it's best to have a specific prayer that you're fasting for. Well, I wasn't sure what to pray, so I chose "to grow closer to God." And it's fascinating looking back, that this seemingly "placeholder" prayer ended up being precisely what I needed.

So, (it was a Saturday) I fasted for a day, praying to be closer to God, and every time I would get hungry, I read the bible.

Shortly after the fast, I experienced a peace that is indescribable. I recognized it as the same peace I had felt eleven (11) years prior to that. Back then, I thought it was from God, but wasn't totally sure. This time, everything changed. After that moment, it was like God reached down and flipped the lights on. Boom. Jesus is real.

I was instantly delivered of my addictions. Also, high-anxiety issues that I had suffered from for years were GONE.

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:8

It's easy to read this verse and think it's telling you to clean yourself up and purify your heart in your own strength, but that's not it. The cleansing and purifying comes from Jesus. He can make you clean. He can purify you. Draw near to HIM.

The story of Jesus in my life is a testament to this truth. I was unable to fully give up my addictions, and unable to escape the anxiety. I drew near to God and He drew near to me and delivered me, cleansed my hands, and purified my heart.

This is why I believe in Jesus. Because He revealed Himself to me in a personal intimate way, showering me with love, and delivering me from addictions. These are not things that just randomly happened because I didn't eat food for a day. No. I humbled myself before God with prayer and fasting to draw near to Him, and He (according to His Word) drew near to me. This resulted in me tangibly feeling His presence, peace, love and ultimately led to my full faith/belief in Jesus Christ. When you believe on Jesus (through and through, in your heart) you will be born again, and you will receive the Holy Spirit. This is what happened to me.

Come to Him just the way you are. You can't be good enough to deserve Him, and your sins cannot disqualify you. Jesus has paid your bail. Believe on Him and receive true life and freedom.