The “Changed by Jesus” series features stories about how Jesus is working through the ministry of Mars Hill Church to change lives. If God has used Mars Hill to transform your life, please consider emailing your account to testimony[at]marshillchurch.org.

Spiritual warfare is very real. Today’s Changed by Jesus testimony is from Colin, who encountered a spiritual force while on vacation which eventually led him to find peace and salvation in Jesus.

To learn more about spiritual warfare, watch Pastor Mark’s four-part teaching series on the subject.

Spiritual Warfare — Changed by Jesus #19

Before I began my walk with Jesus, I felt that I had been living a good life. I had a loving family and good friends, and I had been successful at virtually everything that I had put my heart into. When I was younger I remember going to Christian camps and afterward feeling inspired. But as soon as I left the camp I quickly returned to my old ways.

After high school all interaction with God seemed to cease. I moved away from home and began attending the University of Washington. While at school I discovered a newfound “freedom” in life. I started to take a strong interest in girls and soon turned to the desires of the flesh. Along with school came many late night parties and countless hours socializing in the Greek system. The goal of college was to go to school, drink, and meet beautiful girls–all while looking good. Although I had totally lost contact with Jesus, my God had still not forgotten me.

As the years blew by I will never forget one summer night when I met Sarah. Soon after meeting her we began dating. Sarah would forever change my outlook on Jesus. She emphasized that true Christianity involved a personal relationship with God. This was something that I had heard before, but never experienced. As time went on I began to learn more about this Jesus and the Bible. Then in August, Sarah moved to London for a six-month internship. We remained together and during her time away, I talked with her every night for six months. I still wanted to party every night, but during this time I learned patience, accountability, and selflessness. Then during my winter break I traveled to London to visit Sarah. The trip was amazing; I remember many adventures, some including old Cathedrals which always seemed to provoke theological debates.

On Christmas evening during my trip, I had a terrifying incident where both Sarah and I encountered something from the spiritual realm. At that moment I entered into a state of complete helplessness, not being able to explain what had just occurred. Anxiety would plague me for the next five months. Once back in the United States I began consulting with counselors and doctors and tried medication in an attempt find peace with the ever-building fear that I was experiencing.

My life had hit an all-time low and it was during those months that I decided to pick up my cross and begin walking with Christ. I began to read the Bible and started to pray for comfort and guidance. Instead of trying to defeat the fear of death, I gave it to Jesus. It took me twenty-two years to finally give my life to Christ but once abiding in the true vine, it has been truly amazing. To witness all the fruit that has started to grow has been a true testament to the work of Jesus in my life. I am no longer on medication and can honestly say that my anxiety was cured through faith in Jesus Christ. I thank God for his loving grace and for opening my eyes to his Son in order to bring this tired and helpless sheep back to his flock.