The path to accepting Christ is different for everyone. On today's episode of Changing, our host, Donald Kelly talks with Jerry Dugan, a director of organizational effectiveness who runs a podcast called Beyond the Rut, a show for christian men who feel like they are stuck in a rut. Donald and Jerry discuss Jerry's inspiring path to accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. His powerful story will hopefully help you as you start your journey towards change.
Jerry did not grow up as a believer
- Jerry didn’t grow up going to church. He would attend different churches off and on but didn’t consider himself a believer.
- He felt like he had ‘freedom’ because he didn’t have to follow the commandments.
His experience in the Army changed him
- Jerry didn’t believe in God up until he joined the army and was stationed in Afghanistan.
- When he was put in a situation where he feared for his life, he said a prayer to God - his first prayer in 14 years.
- He asked God to protect his wife and children by replacing him with someone better if he didn’t make it out alive.
- During the next few weeks Jerry had multiple near-death experiences where he felt that he was protected by God.
How did he finally accept Christ into his life?
- After he returned home safely from the war his wife told him that she had been praying for him. She made a deal with God that if Jerry got home safely she and her whole family would attend church every Sunday. Jerry agreed to honor the deal.
- After months of attending church Jerry's pastor challenged him to “stop dipping his toe in the water” and “be all-in”.
- Since 2005 Jerry has been all-in and is grateful he made that decision.
How are things now?
- Years later Jerry realized that his prayer to God had come true, and the old version of himself had been replaced by a better one. The old version of himself had metaphorically died.
- When he finally accepted Christ as his Savior he felt a burden lifted off of him.
- He now lives his life always thinking about what Jesus would do and how he can emulate Him.
Advice from Jerry
- Realize that God created you exactly how you are.
- Jerry accepted that God had given him an analytical nature and learned how to use it to his advantage. He paired it with faith and has been able to spiritually progress.
To connect and contact Jerry, find him on his website. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.
