The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)

I recently read about a centerfold model who decided to follow Jesus and announced to her fans that she was leaving the industry, inviting them to join her in her decision to strike out on a new path of following Christ. I can only imagine the reaction she faced from those who could not understand her decision. When you read her heart-felt message to her fans and co-workers, there is no doubt that she had made a decision and that her life had changed.

While God is continually at work, there does come a point in one’s journey when you make a decision about Jesus. In fact, as you read his followers first-hand accounts of Jesus’ life they chronicle time and time again when Jesus called people to a point of decision: Leave you own way of doing things and follow me. Some did. Some did not. It is no different today.

Most followers of Jesus can point to a moment in time, or a period of time, when that decision was made in their lives. Talk to those who follow Jesus and they can usually tell you about a “before” and “after.” Slowly or quickly, things change for those who truly make the decision to believe. For me, the decision came on a cold February evening in 1981. I remember it like it was yesterday. In a quiet prayer I told Jesus I was sorry for my shortcomings, I acknowledged that I believed that He was the Son of God who died on the cross as a sacrifice for my sin, and I asked Him to come into my heart and life. Then, things began to change.

It sounds so simple. It seems so foolish. Yet those who have experienced it know the difference that the “very power of God” can bring to a person’s life. I’ve been following for  over 30 years. No turning back. I’d love to have you join me. Here’s the gist of the prayer that started my faith journey. It’s a good one, and simple. Feel free to make it your own.

God, I’m so sorry for the things I’ve done and the person I’ve been. I think I get it now. I can’t do this on my own. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me. Please, forgive me. Come into my heart. Come into my life. I give myself to you.