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If I could give a synopsis of my testimony it would be Surprised by God. Thirty-seven years ago I really had no spiritual interest. I had been selected as one of thirty high school students from Louisiana to study at the United Nations in New York City. I entered an international oratorical contest there and was awarded "Most Outstanding Youth Speaker" in North America. I traveled throughout the United States and Canada the next year speaking about the necessity of peace in the world. But there was one major problem. I had no peace in my own heart. I found myself trying to fill that vacuum in my life with alcohol, immorality and a quest for power. But nothing seemed to work.
That's when I was surprised by God. My girlfriend's parents strongly encouraged us to go to church one evening. Even though I wasn't seeking God, He was seeking me. As I listened to speaker talk about my need for Christ, his message pierced my heart. I responded in faith by opening my heart to Jesus. He came into my life and changed me completely. Some of my friends said, "Tippit I'll give you two weeks and you'll be back to the same old life." Well, thirty years have passed now, and I have to say that I love Jesus now more than I've ever loved Him.
He not only surprised me. But He's also kept me. I never dreamed that in the next thirty-seven years, God would place me in stadiums and sports arenas on every inhabited continent. He has allowed me to bring hope to a lost and dying world. I've walked into the middle of a revolution. I've been arrested three times, and I've walked into the middle of a war and proclaimed God's love.
During those early days, God was preparing me to go into nations with the message of His love for a lost and dying world that desperately needed Him. He surprised me as a high school student with the gospel. Since then I've never been the same. The Christian life has been one great adventure. It's been one surprise after another. Have you ever been surprised by God? He once said to the Psalmist, "Be still and KNOW that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations." Be still in the quiet place and listen to God's voice. You may be surprised.
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