Although I grew up in church and was saved at a young age, I always believed God was heaping guilt and shame on me. Moreover, as a pastor’s son, I felt I had to meet expectations about faith in God. This led me to anger and depression and I eventually “ran away” from God by denying Him for twelve years.

Despite all that, God was always with me. I decided to return to church and to a life I thought He wanted me to live. In the next twelve years, I tried to please Him by serving in church, going to church retreats, and attending prayer meetings. I thought that by leaning in harder to God with my own works, He would grant me the peace and stability I so desperately craved. But I felt miserable instead.

One Sunday, my pastor encouraged us to seek Jesus, our good shepherd. So I prayed for a few months, asking God to show me His will in my life. I could hardly believe it when He answered my prayers. He began pointing out people around me who were in pain and in need of comfort. He also gave me the right words to say to them and they were always exactly what they needed to hear.

There were many moments when I would walk away completely confused, because what God had to say was not even close to what I would say. I wanted to convict and condemn them of their sins, but God wanted to love and redeem them. Soon, I realized His words were also meant for me! I learned He was not the harsh God I thought He was all these years growing up.

I asked God for someone who could relate to this new understanding and I was led to listen to a message by Joseph Prince on radio. He kept proclaiming, “Speak to the Rock,” and taught about God’s grace. It was unlike any other message I’d heard before and I decided to listen to the entire message.

Later, I looked up and watched more of his sermons online. I could feel the power of the Lord’s grace being revealed and reaffirmed through Joseph’s teachings. I’ve never looked back since.

The gospel truth has set me free. Today, I feel younger and healthier than I’ve had in years. I’m at peace and rest knowing I am God’s redeemed child. I’ve also been restored with twins after my wife and I went through miscarriages and problems conceiving. God even gave me a more stable and better-paying career so my wife can stay home with the kids.

I’ve witnessed God’s miracles in my life and I’m sharing in His joy, healing, comfort, wisdom, and guidance. I’ve also seen many other people being profoundly impacted as they hear the message of grace.

Thank you, Pastor Prince, for your encouragement in the Lord’s love.