"If God doesn't really exist, then what's the point in living?"
 
I stared out at the Californian mountains pondering my existence; only 15 years old. I had grown up in a religious family knowing about spiritual things, but my life felt empty. I was conflicted; one side wanted everything that this life was offering me: sex, drugs, money, power and prestige while the other quietly hinted at other lesser-known realities in my life: purpose, peace, love, forgiveness and joy.
 
Not that I experienced many of the things my heart desired, but I longed to at least give them a shot. I certainly didn't have any of the latter realities. So where should I go from there? I decided I should put both options on the table and give each side a fair chance, so-to-speak
 
I began to study philosophy, religion; life's options, and for me it all boiled down to one big question. If there was a God, then I was morally responsible to follow what he prescribed, but if the God-thing was a hoax, then I was free, and therefore compelled, to get as much "gusto" out of life as I possibly could because this life would end, and then everything would end, and yeah, it would be over - end of story.
 
So I began to study a book named "Evidence That Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell. He presented a strong, logical case for the authenticity and the historicity of the Bible. It was radically different from all other religious books. And because it could be trusted I must believe its message. And its message was about a God who passionately loved me but recognized that I was in a load of trouble.
 
I was born with a propensity to rebel against God. On my own I was doomed to failure, frustration and ultimately death; total, complete and eternal separation from God. This was rather disturbing. So over time I came to believe, as God opened my eyes, that there was only one true, logical choice for a life that consisted of the things I had initially desired. It was an exchanged life.
 
Christ would take my rebellion and wicked heart in exchange for his righteousness and purity. He was able to make such a great offer because he is the Son of God, the Savior of the world from sin, death and the devil. What a deal! I would be foolish to reject such an offer. So as I learned more about this new life I had received by faith, I began to finally understand my true purpose in life. It was to glorify God in every aspect of my life. All those things I had initially thought to be so attractive were now seen for what they really were; cheap substitutes.
 
The way to all the things I had ever hoped and searched for had become reality through knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord.