When I Got Saved

by: Bro. Tyler Barron

Growing up I was always taught that there was a God and he was always watching the things you do, kind of like a make believe or a fiction book. I never got a full grasp of just how real God was until the day I got saved. There's a big difference in knowing God and being known of God. (Gal. ch.4:9) Looking back now I plainly see that the Lord tried to reveal himself to me many times. I just never gave him the time. I'd always find other things to do or act like it was nothing. I remember telling my wife (we were dating at that time) that I did not have to go to church to know God. Knowing God is far more than just going to church and I would soon find out. I gave in and would go but it was never for God, just going to hang out and to see my girlfriend. During service I'd find myself nodding off and laughing at the preacher. Service would get good and people would shout, I always thought they were just crazy. February 2010 at 20 years old I would finally find out what the preacher was preaching about, what they were singing about, and what they were shouting about. I couldn't tell you what the message was about nor what they were singing but I know this much God sent the Spirit by my way and drew me to Him. My heart was pounding and I was immediately drawn to the altar but I grabbed the pew in front of me and thought it would soon be over after the verse of a song. It seemed like the longer I held on the longer the song lasted. I remember turning and telling my wife I needed to go and she replied “the preachers not done yet”, thinking I was ready to leave church but in actuality it was not leaving on my mind but going to the altar. When I made it down to the altar everyone followed to help me pray. I raised up and started hugging everyone with the tears rolling down my face  and when I got to my wife's grandmother she asked me a question I'll never forget as long as I live. “What did the Lord do for you?” and I cried out “He saved me He saved me” I stood up and told the church and they all came around and shook my hand and hugged me and told me that they had been praying for me. I used to think the church didn't need me but in all honesty I needed the church. I'm so thankful for all those that prayed for me and eternally grateful that God would have mercy on a sinner like me.