My Faith Story

I “accepted” Christ at a young age, however, really wasn’t plugged into an environment which allowed me to mature in my faith. Through my own personal efforts, I accomplished what many might view as a “successful” life: I married my high school sweetheart whom was also the homecoming queen, had two children, a corporate executive position with a corner office and six figure income and many of the perks that go with it. All this worldly success built up a deep sense of “pride” within me which became a barrier for my maturing in my faith.

Then, when I was 38 years old, I lost control; I lost my job. It was at this point that I realized I would have said God and family were priorities in my life; however, my actions truly weren’t supporting this to be the case. It was at this point that I truly surrendered to following Jesus and making him Lord of my life.

Since that time, I wish I could tell you it’s been easy. However, candidly, He never promised it would be easy. I have actually experience some of the most challenging years of my life sense surrendering control. Many of these struggles have been a part of my sanctification process to die to my old prideful self and desires. What I can say is that through these struggles, I have discovered a “peace that surpasses understand”. A cornerstone versus through this process has been Ph. 4:6-7 NIV – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

So, I don’t know your personal situation or whether you are a follower of Jesus. Regardless, I hope that you’ll go to our website, www.chrisdarnoldbu_arnold.com, and find encouragement for the journey. If I can ever help, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Have a fantastic day!

Blessings, Chris

5 responses to “My Faith Story”

1. Rodney Brandt says:

   04/15/2014 at 1:10 am

   Great post, Chris. I have a similar story and your candidness encourages me. I believe God can and will use us for much good if we are willing to die to pride (among other things).

   It’s funny how you really CAN learn to live without all of the stuff the world tells you that you need to be happy – big cars, big houses, a large 401k. When you go without these things, you discover that they weren’t really giving you happiness and contentment anyway. The only path to joy and peace is Jesus!

   Reply
   • chrisdarnoldbu_arnold says:

     04/15/2014 at 1:23 am

     Thanks Rodney! I know from our brief chat awhile back and your words of encouragement, you’ve come to understand true joy and peace!

     Reply
2. Chris Bombei says:

   04/17/2014 at 7:14 pm

   Thanks for sharing your story and quite frankly for being such an encouragement to me. I am very proud to say that Chris and I have been best friends since we were in lower elementary. Little did I know how truly blessed I was that God gave me such a special friend! God always promises that his way is better than our way. When he gave me Chris as a friend, it was better than any way I ever could have possibly imagined! Chris, thanks for all you stand for, for all that you are, and mostly for being such a great friend!

   Reply
   • Chris says:

     04/17/2014 at 9:12 pm

     Thanks Brother! Without those Saturday night invites to stay the night and go to church on Sunday by The Bombei’s, thing might look different in my life. Here’s a story from the archives: http://chrisdarnoldbu_arnold.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/life-long-friends/
     Love ya!

     Reply
3. Koinonia | Chris Arnold says:

   07/07/2014 at 3:03 pm

   […] and step #8 “surrender and submission”. As I relate to anyone who desires to hear my faith story, I “accepted” Christ in middle school; however, I didn’t “surrender and […]

   Reply