God Gave Me Peace
My name is Hudson Hall, and this is my story.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been greatly intrigued by weather patterns. Storms of any sort are especially fascinating to me. Hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning storms – all are an incredible display of God’s almighty power. But there is something special about that sense of quietness after the storm has ceased. This sense of quietness that creates an immense calm all around reminds me of the sweet peace God placed in my heart the day I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Let me tell you about it…
I’ve been blessed with the privilege of having godly parents and a loving family. Throughout my life, my parents have faithfully taught me the importance of living according to the Word of God. By the age of five, I had already memorized the ten commandments, and I would be the first to tell you that I loved God. However, though I knew in theory that I was a sinner, it wasn’t until September of 2013 that I finally made the connection that because I was a sinner, I had no relationship with God. I was in fact the enemy of God. This is what stirred up the storm in my heart – the struggle between my sinful self and the undeniable truths of God’s Word.
I’ve been blessed with the privilege of having godly parents and a loving family. Throughout my life, my parents have faithfully taught me the importance of living according to the Word of God. By the age of five, I had already memorized the ten commandments, and I would be the first to tell you that I loved God. However, though I knew in theory that I was a sinner, it wasn’t until September of 2013 that I finally made the connection that because I was a sinner, I had no relationship with God. I was in fact the enemy of God. This is what stirred up the storm in my heart – the struggle between my sinful self and the undeniable truths of God’s Word.
John 3:36 says, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
I needed to take time to study out exactly what salvation was. My sister agreed to help me, and we scheduled a time for the following week. I felt like there was a battle in my heart, an unceasing storm that I very much wanted to get settled. I desired to be saved, but something inside of me was tempting me to put off this important decision – and I didn’t know why.
I needed to take time to study out exactly what salvation was. My sister agreed to help me, and we scheduled a time for the following week. I felt like there was a battle in my heart, an unceasing storm that I very much wanted to get settled. I desired to be saved, but something inside of me was tempting me to put off this important decision – and I didn’t know why.
"This is what stirred up the storm in my heart – the struggle between my sinful self and the undeniable truths of God’s Word."
The preaching I heard in church spoke to my heart and made me tremble with fear as I began to see my utter helplessness in the hands of an almighty God. I was not ready to die, or to meet God. I knew I would be condemned to hell forever because of my sin and my willful choice to reject Christ’s sacrifice in my place. It was then that I realized that it was that pride in my heart that made me delay doing what I knew I should do.
Sin still had a grip on me, and my heart was from far from peaceful. Conviction of sin continued to prick my heart when I thought of how many times I had broken God’s law. He had provided a way for me to be forgiven – for anyone to be forgiven! He wanted me to accept his salvation and find new life in Christ and assurance of Heaven. How could I go on bearing my burden of sin, when Jesus had paid the price to set me free?
I would lie in bed and ponder my situation before God. The tears would flow from my eyes as, one by one, the Bible verses from my youth would come to my mind. These verses would remind me of my sin, and my need of a Savior.
My dad and brother also spent time talking with me about where I stood with God and helped me understand the importance of personal salvation. They were patient with me as I wrestled with my sin and sought to understand what it meant to be a Christian.
Sin still had a grip on me, and my heart was from far from peaceful. Conviction of sin continued to prick my heart when I thought of how many times I had broken God’s law. He had provided a way for me to be forgiven – for anyone to be forgiven! He wanted me to accept his salvation and find new life in Christ and assurance of Heaven. How could I go on bearing my burden of sin, when Jesus had paid the price to set me free?
I would lie in bed and ponder my situation before God. The tears would flow from my eyes as, one by one, the Bible verses from my youth would come to my mind. These verses would remind me of my sin, and my need of a Savior.
My dad and brother also spent time talking with me about where I stood with God and helped me understand the importance of personal salvation. They were patient with me as I wrestled with my sin and sought to understand what it meant to be a Christian.
"I chose to put my faith in Jesus Christ and completely trust Him with my life and eternity.”
Finally, on September 19th, 2013, after reading many scripture verses, I realized that I needed to make my decision. I couldn’t keep living in this troublesome state. I knew there was nothing I could do to save myself. So, I got down on my knees and prayed to God. I chose to put my faith in Jesus Christ and completely trust Him with my life and eternity. Romans 10:9 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
I am thankful for the long-suffering of God toward me and the peace He gave to my turbulent heart when I finally chose to quit wrestling with my sin and give Him my whole heart.
Since that day, I truly desire to hear from God every day. The church services I have attended all my life have taken on a whole new meaning. I no longer go to church simply to have a good time, or see my friends, I desire to learn from God’s Word and apply it to my life. The storm in my heart was calmed when God saved me, and I know that He will be there to walk with me through whatever difficulties are ahead. Have you made your peace with God? He wants to calm your storm too.
Since that day, I truly desire to hear from God every day. The church services I have attended all my life have taken on a whole new meaning. I no longer go to church simply to have a good time, or see my friends, I desire to learn from God’s Word and apply it to my life. The storm in my heart was calmed when God saved me, and I know that He will be there to walk with me through whatever difficulties are ahead. Have you made your peace with God? He wants to calm your storm too.