Obedience and the Early Days

I didn’t grow up in a Christian home. It was a good home with values and morals—we knew about God, celebrated Christmas and Easter—but that was about it.

Then one day, I realised Jesus was real. That the Word of God was true. That God had a plan and purpose for my life. And that Jesus died so I could have a relationship with Him. Before that moment, my eternity was headed in a different direction. But when I asked Jesus into my life, everything changed.

I was in my mid-20s, June 1986. From that point on, I just wanted to know more about Jesus. I read the Gospels. I had a friend who said, “Don’t just read it—ask what it means for your life.” And so I did.

I felt God prompting me. I listened to music that didn’t honour Him—He said get rid of it. So I did. I had friendships that were pulling me back to an old life—He said, 'step back'. So I did. I read to seek God first, so I started seeking Him. When I had decisions, I asked Him. Even when I asked about my future wife, He gave me more than I’d asked for. Every box was ticked.

Four weeks in, I read “believe and be baptised.” I said, “Great—what’s baptism?” I didn’t wait. I didn’t say, “I’ll get better first.” Jesus didn’t say that. He said Believe and be baptised. So I was.

In those early days, revival was real. My life was in revival. My parents came to my baptism, encountered God, and gave their lives to Jesus. Revival flowed from one step of obedience.

Obedience isn’t about rules—it’s about alignment. When I align with His heart, doors open. And revival follows.