Where You Are by Aaron Hansel

Because when I am weak, He is strong! But I also desire to point to the One who takes my failures and turns them into strengths.

Matthew 11:28-30 tells us of Christ's invitation to come and rest. That's what I hope to extend in my shows. Come, hear the truth, enjoy the fellowship of others who are so much like you, and take a moment to rest and think about His love and promises.

MY STORY:

I was born March 25th, 1977, but my life began February 17th, 1994. I was not born into a God fearing family. Never the less the Holy Spirit was at work in my life. At the age of 5 my family attended a small Baptist church in my hometown of Alva, OK. Though our time at that church was short lived, it was enough time for the Lord to plant a seed in my life. I did not comprehend the value of Christ and His salvation at that time. But I was aware that He was the Son of God and He died on a cross to save me. But I didn't realize what He wanted to save me from.

As life continued I learned what He desired to save me from; myself. According to human standards, I never considered myself a horrible person. But according to God's standards I was lost and a wretch. My old nature was formed by a broken family and the insecurity that came from that and influenced by alcohol, pornography, and unfaithfulness. As a result I became familiar with depression, addictions, and poor self esteem. It sounds like a pretty sad story. And honestly it was. But when I was 15 God started to take me down a new path.

I started attending church at the First Baptist Church of Alva with my girlfriend. In actuality, she sort of made me come with her. I believe God knew that using her to invite me to church would get me in the doors where He could work on me. He was right. And I'm thankful she was willing to pressure me to go. Because about a year later the Holy Spirit began pressuring me. Over the year I learned more about what I had heard about when I was 5 and I realized I was not saved and the only way that I would have eternal life was by accepting the free gift of salvation offered to me through Jesus. At that point of realization a sense of urgency came over me to accept this gift and give my life to Christ. I resisted for a few weeks for fear of the church looking down on me because I was a sinner and not as good as them. As ridiculous as this sounds to a believer, I have no doubt I'm not the only one who has battled with those lies from Satan. In the end, the Lord gave me the confidence to trust Him and receive His gift and profess my faith before my church family. Satan's lie was exposed and overcome when I trusted God. As I went before the church to profess my faith I was accepted with arms open wide and joyful praise to God. A week later I was baptized. Soon after that I gave Jesus lordship over my future in music. Thus began my adventures as a Christian and a Christian musician.

Though life began at the age of 16 and my sins were paid for, the struggles to overcome my selfish life were only beginning. Before receiving Christ I didn't recognize my sin, so I didn't realize there was anything to overcome. After receiving Christ my eyes were opened to the truth and Satan was ready to do battle against me. I've been a believer for 13 years and the battles continue. I've experienced incredible victories and I've suffered horrible defeats. But ultimately the war is won. Realizing that, I press on in peace and joy knowing that my salvation can't be taken away.

My old nature was formed by a broken family and the insecurity that came from that and influenced by alcohol, pornography, and unfaithfulness. My new nature is now being formed by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. How does such a dramatic change happen? Only by the grace of a loving God who allowed His only Son to pay the penalty of my sins.

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