Summary

SummaryI grew up in a household with Christian traditions, but I felt like I never truly connected with God or my family. As I moved into high school, I was consumed by a desire to feel accepted and loved. I chased friendships by trying to be β€œthe funniest and wildest” in a group, but guilt always followed me. Next, I thought having something β€œcool”—like a flashy carβ€”would fix my emptiness, but that car turned out to be a mechanical nightmare. Out of desperation, I entered a relationship with a girlfriend, thinking that would fill the void. Instead, we were two broken people trying to heal each other in all the wrong ways, and I only sank deeper. Meanwhile, my mom had come to know Jesus and spent over two years praying for me daily. One day, she invited me to church, where the speaker reminded me that no matter what I’d done, Jesus was ready to forgive me. In that moment, I realized I’d been searching for things that God already offered freely. On October 11, 2017, I gave my life to Christ. Life didn’t become instantly easyβ€”there were still times when I felt inadequate and tempted by old habitsβ€”but the gospel has proven itself true. Whenever I feel hurt, guilty, or afraid, I no longer search in empty places. I find hope and strength in Jesus, and my story continues to be transformed by His grace. πŸ™βœ¨

Eli spent a lot of time searching for acceptance. Whether through friends, possessions, or something else, it never satisfied.

—————– Source —————–

Time Chapters
Β 
01:01 Pursuing acceptance fails
02:37 Mother’s prayer & church invite
04:47 Surrendered to Christ
05:26 Finding ongoing hope
author avatar
Lincoln Berean
See Full Bio