Turning points

[PopClick]

Have you ever had an experience that changed the way you think, or the way you see things? Was it a good change? What brought it about?

When I was around 16 or 17, a WWII first person shooter game came out that I absolutely loved. It was a very tactical game, meaning you really had to think your way through it, instead of just shooting everything that moved. The game and the situations presented in the game made me walk down some mental pathways that challenged my view of morality, and eventually blew that view out of the water. I still have the game even though I haven't played it in years, and I think it's one (seemingly simple) thing that shaped the way I see the world.

~~~~~

A few years ago, there was a non-Christian with whom I talked extensively about my faith. As a result, my own faith was strengthened quite a lot, and my ideas about how God works were broadened. I hope that God used our interactions to plant a seed in their life, but even if that wasn't the case, I am really grateful for the work that He did in my heart through the experience.

There are others, but I'm only sharing two.

 

[tourist]

At the age of 14 I found a bible tract lying in the street. It outlined how to be born again. I read it, told God I was sorry for my sins and invited Jesus into my heart. That was a real game changer for me and it has been quite a ride so far.

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

When I was around 16 or 17, a WWII first person shooter game came out that I absolutely loved. It was a very tactical game...

Stab in the dark: Medal of Honor?

Thinking about these questions really caused me to re-think the way I think about the things I thought about.

Ahem... *tugs at shirt collar nervously*

All FPS video games aside, there was this one night I went out to see one of the Paranormal Activity sequels - alone. One of last showings of the night, I walked out of the theater around midnight, considering on the walk to my car how hilariously bad the film was. And then it hit me like a sock full of Vaseline. This wasn't ghosts or ghouls, or spooky scary skeletons, it was flagrant demonic activity. It was also nothing new, granted, but all the same, it sort of robbed me of my naivete with horror flicks.

We were taking something I - and others - believed to be a very real threat in the world, and it was now "entertainment." I discussed it with my mum later, and we both agreed that the Enemy was probably pretty well pleased with us downplaying his activity in the world as though demons and possession were no more than age old fairy tales.

I was never super into horror movies (still not), but I believe the Spirit lead me to become exceedingly selective about what I watch after that one, to the point where the last horror movie I've seen since was last year's The Legend of Hercules (c'mon, it was pretty bad).

 

[Faithful_Fay]

When I was 16, I wasn't a baby Christian, but I think my relationship with God hadn't been through really big challenges. At that year, in the beginning of my senior year of high school, I went through a traumatic experience that left me homeless and sad for a little bit. I learned that even when everything around you stinks and everyone around you fails, God is still in control. I learned that year that only God is the true happiness and contentment and peace, regardless of circumstances. I learned the true meaning of my favorite verses I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and about the peace that surpasses all understanding.

My perspective changed for the better. I looked back after that difficult time and realized that hardship drew me nearer to God rather than away. It was a relief, I didn't fall away when circumstances weren't rosy and perfect.

 

[Willie-T]

I'm big. When I was younger, I was a lot bigger, and pretty bad. I ran with the same kind of crowd.

Once, a little skinny kid stood up to me (can't remember the why or how). For some reason, I didn't crush him on the spot... although I could see he expected me to. HE WAS SCARED STIFF, BUT HE STILL STOOD UP TO ME.

That really began to change me. No, I didn't become a Christian, or anything, but I began to look at people's moral fiber and integrity much more.

 

[Rachel20]

A decade ago, Benny Hinn had come to India on a "crusade" to a major Indian city.

There was a lot of buzz about him and a lot of opposition from BJP and other RSS right wing Hindu parties to his coming and preaching. They even threw stones at buses.

The controversy just generated more publicity for Benny Hinn. Every church was sending its members there. The expected crowd was so huge that the organizers decided to rent an airfield for the meeting.

At the meeting I could see the handicapped section right across.

There were so many wheelchairs and so many sick and disabled people. They all had come in faith that there would be a miracle that night for them.

I know many people bash Benny Hinn for being a false teacher but as I too attended the meeting I remember that all Benny Hinn did was preach the gospel.

He spoke about Jesus and not specifically healing.

At the first day of the meeting the organizers didn't even take any offering from those gathered because local TV Channels had made a big fuss about it.

Anyway this isn't about Benny Hinn.


I vividly recall a woman praying for a man beside her and placing her hands on his head, silently praying with tears flowing down her cheeks.

I was so moved that I found myself crying seeing all those people praying - Christian or not, desperately seeking God who could heal and save them.

I said the sinner's prayer at that meeting.

I also said one more prayer - that God would heal all those people and bless them for their faith.

 

[cmarieh]

I have had plenty of turning points in my life so I will share my most recent one.

I got to know an amazing man who was everything I thought I had ever wanted. I very much admired him and we began talking about being in each others future. He made me feel special and that I was the only woman in the world. And then out of the blue he told me that I was not good enough and would never be good enough for him. I was devastated and I was sitting in one of my classes as God told me to wait for him and so I waited to what seemed to be an eternity. Through this waiting time my faith was tested and I have met really good friends that I cherish in every part of my heart and I don't know what I would do without them. Never in my entire life have I ever been closer with God as I am right now. This man made me realize that I do have a purpose and that any man would be fortunate just to know who I am and that with God I can do anything. I was talking with somebody the other day about some of the things that were said and it was like a flick of a switch that I needed to delete everything because he had something better around the corner. Again, my faith is being put to the test but because of this I will be stronger and blessed with a man who will love me as I am.

I will not regret anything because it is him who challenged my faith and made me the woman I am today and I will forever be thankful for that. He was put into my life for a reason and also taken out for a better one. Even though I was in so much pain and thought I was worthless and how could any man want me I began to open the bible more and even stepped out of my comfort zone at the risk of getting my heart broken, but I know one day God will fulfill his promise in my life. So, I believe it was a positive turning point in my life as he made me realize that I relied too much on the concept of time and perfection and because of those two things they actually came before God and so I have learned to stop and smell the roses instead of stressing about every minor detail in life. I do continue praying for him that God will provide him everything his hearts desire.

 

[tourist]

I have had plenty of turning points in my life so I will share my most recent one.

I got to know an amazing man who was everything I thought I had ever wanted. I very much admired him and we began talking about being in each others future. He made me feel special and that I was the only woman in the world. And then out of the blue he told me that I was not good enough and would never be good enough for him. I was devastated and I was sitting in one of my classes as God told me to wait for him and so I waited to what seemed to be an eternity. Through this waiting time my faith was tested and I have met really good friends that I cherish in every part of my heart and I don't know what I would do without them. Never in my entire life have I ever been closer with God as I am right now. This man made me realize that I do have a purpose and that any man would be fortunate just to know who I am and that with God I can do anything. I was talking with somebody the other day about some of the things that were said and it was like a flick of a switch that I needed to delete everything because he had something better around the corner. Again, my faith is being put to the test but because of this I will be stronger and blessed with a man who will love me as I am.

I will not regret anything because it is him who challenged my faith and made me the woman I am today and I will forever be thankful for that. He was put into my life for a reason and also taken out for a better one. Even though I was in so much pain and thought I was worthless and how could any man want me I began to open the bible more and even stepped out of my comfort zone at the risk of getting my heart broken, but I know one day God will fulfill his promise in my life. So, I believe it was a positive turning point in my life as he made me realize that I relied too much on the concept of time and perfection and because of those two things they actually came before God and so I have learned to stop and smell the roses instead of stressing about every minor detail in life. I do continue praying for him that God will provide him everything his hearts desire.

My thoughts are that this man probably lost the best catch of his life. God will appoint another to take his place. I understand about the pain of a broken heart. I also know how it feels to be with the one of your heart's desire. Please be patient and don't be discouraged. God is hard at work in this situation. This was his lost and your gain. When the dust settles and the smoke clears you will realize this.

Your last sentence of your post was sad. God provided this guy with his heart's desire and he thoughtlessly cast it aside. Perhaps in His mercy he will give him a second chance. He will certainly give you your first chance. In time. Sooner, rather than later. Fear not.

 

[CatHerder]

When I was in high school, a girl who was a fellow band geek who knew I played piano asked me if I would go to camp. There was a talent show competition there and she needed an accompanist for a flute solo. I though nothing of it and agreed.

That night, I asked my mom, who also agreed to come up with the money to pay for the camp. This surprised me because my parents were dirt poor - - I had never asked anything of this sort before, so maybe my mom felt it was important that I go.

It turned out to be a Christian camp near Santa Cruz. I ended up receiving Christ there, which was the last thing I expected. I thought I was just going to play our little Baroque piece and roast marshmallows.

 

[gypsygirl]

When I was in high school, a girl who was a fellow band geek who knew I played piano asked me if I would go to camp. There was a talent show competition there and she needed an accompanist for a flute solo. I though nothing of it and agreed.

That night, I asked my mom, who also agreed to come up with the money to pay for the camp. This surprised me because my parents were dirt poor - - I had never asked anything of this sort before, so maybe my mom felt it was important that I go.

It turned out to be a Christian camp near Santa Cruz. I ended up receiving Christ there, which was the last thing I expected. I thought I was just going to play our little Baroque piece and roast marshmallows.

wait, you went to mount hermon too? oh good gravy, i grew up going there, in jr high as well two or three high school years. my grandparents supported it financially, as well, and we would go up for these summer events, such as when they'd get the gaither folk together for one of their waspy sing-a-longs.

i remember so many influential, amazing folks from camp.

 

[CatHerder]

wait, you went to mount hermon too? oh good gravy, i grew up going there, in jr high as well two or three high school years. my grandparents supported it financially, as well, and we would go up for these summer events, such as when they'd get the gaither folk together for one of their waspy sing-a-longs.

i remember so many influential, amazing folks from camp.

yep. Mt. Hermon.

I am glad I was not taking a drink of anything when I read "waspy sing-a-longs." You would have owed me a monitor.