I remember as a young kid wanting to obey God’s Word mainly to stay out of trouble. I followed the words of God, but I had little desire to know the God behind those words. It wasn’t until late in middle school that the Holy Spirit convicted me of my misplaced priorities and revealed my great need for Him.
This change of heart began a season of gratitude for salvation, but also exhaustion as I tried to live the Christian life in my own strength. I thought faith was all about thanking Jesus for His death and then doing my best to make Him proud. I gave my sincere best effort, yet often felt more defeated than encouraged—especially when I read verses like John 14:12:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these he will do, because I am going to the Father.”
To me, that felt like a cruel standard I could never reach.
Then, after following some advice in high school to invite God into my future plans, I found myself at a Torchbearers Bible school in the backwoods of Sweden. It was there the Lord graciously showed me what the Christian life was truly meant to be. I learned that it isn’t about how capable I am, but about how willing I am to surrender each day to Jesus.
Two passages that became pivotal for me were Galatians 2:20 and John 12:24–26. Through them, I came to see that Jesus desires to live His life again through me by the Holy Spirit. Yes, He walked this earth 2,000 years ago loving in supernatural ways, but He wants to do the same today through me. The big question was: Would I let Him? Would I surrender my own desires and wishes so that His life could spring forth?
A quote that has stayed with me ever since is:
“The Christian life is nothing less than the life He lived then, lived now by Him in you.”
After my gap year, I attended Columbia International University, where I majored in Bible Teaching. There, I met my wonderful wife, grew a deep love for the Bible, and felt called to use my gifts to build up the church.
In 2019 I graduated from CIU, married Hannah, and accepted a position to lead the college ministry at Christian Family Chapel. Along the way, the Lord blessed us with two boys and a church family that has cared for us beyond anything we could have imagined.
Jesus has been so good to us, and I now have the privilege of spending my days helping others see that there is no better life than one lived in Him and for Him.
Staff Chat
Get to know Ryan by watching his interview on our staff podcast, Staff Chat!