“What difference does Jesus make in life? Why is He important? Isn’t believing in God enough?” These were questions I asked myself in my college years. I had grown up with Christian teachings, but the question remained: “What is Jesus for, really?”

Then I met a group of young people who were excited about life and had lots of love. They didn’t wait to check me out, but accepted me into their group whether I met their standards or not. I saw that they weren’t stressed or troubled about innumerable things, as many of my fellow students were. They were happy, and told me it was because they had Jesus.

In time, I faced decisions that would affect the rest of my life. A friend from this group of Christian young people suggested that Jesus would know and want what was best for me. I thought about it. Somehow I felt that the boredom I’d experienced since reaching my goals in school and romance and other areas was probably because those goals were mine, not His. I sensed He had something more for me. I sincerely wanted to know why I was alive. What was I for?

I prayed and asked Him to show me what He had planned for my life, and while He was at it, to make Himself real to me. It was a simple prayer, and the result was astounding.

Whereas I had believed in love before, now I felt love that was almost overwhelming. Whereas I had known before that peace and tranquility were good, now I had true peace inside. Whereas I had known in theory that God could give me solutions to my problems, now I experienced Him doing little miracles to work out situations in my life. Whereas before I had known that the Bible was God’s voice to me, I began to enjoy how alive, up-to-date, vibrant, and liberating His Words were.

I went from an intellectual acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God to a living relationship with Him. What intellect couldn’t do, He did by coming into my life. His presence gave me love and strength and happiness. I learned the difference He can make.

Chloe West is a full-time volunteer with the Family International in the U.S.

If you haven’t yet received Jesus as your Savior, you can right this minute by asking Him to come into your heart with His love, life, liberty, truth, peace, plenty, and happiness here, now, and forever. Simply pray:

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for me. Please forgive me for the wrong things I’ve done, come into my heart, give me Your free gift of eternal life, and teach me more about Your love. Amen.