My Best Was Not Good Enough

Hi, My name is Samuel Hammett and this is my story!

Growing up in a Christian home I was in almost every single worship service from before I was even born. Through the years I learned much about the Bible, memorized many passages of Scripture, and was very involved in serving in our church. As I grew and got older I began to think about what I had heard about death and eternity.  Believed what the Bible said about death and hell, and this was something that scared me a lot. I was scared of death and I was very scared of what happens after death. Having grown up in church I knew in my head that I was a sinner and needed to be saved and so I prayed many times asking God to save me if I wasn’t already saved, but nothing would ever change. What I kept asking for was for God to save me from Hell. I wanted to go to Heaven, but I didn’t want to relinquish any of the control of my life. I wanted to keep living however I felt like and still go to Heaven in the end. This became a cycle that would repeat itself numerous times. I would think about eternity, become scared again, pray another insincere prayer, and nothing would change. I didn’t really want a relationship with God, I didn’t truly want Him to reign and rule in my life. I was only interested in what God could give to me, I was not willing to submit control to Him. I thought I made a better king for my life. Instead of truly giving my life over to God, I would try and act more “Christian”. This usually lasted for a week or so, until I tired of it went back to living my life like normal. I was a “good” little boy. I was always in church and I was helping out in various areas of service, I didn’t have a choice in the matter, and since that was how I had grown up, I even enjoyed some of it. I outwardly obeyed my parents for the most part, enough that I would get compliments on being well behaved. I had many of the outward forms of religion, but the most important part was missing.

In October of 2003 we were having a week of special meetings at the church. The entire week I was thinking the same thing, I knew that even though I had prayed so many times and tried to act like a Christian, I was not one. I had no relationship with Jesus Christ, and no conviction over my sin other than the fear of being caught. This week of meetings brought me, for the first time, to a true view of my sin. I realized I wasn’t a “good little boy” like some thought, but was instead a wicked sinner that had broken God’s law. Romans 3:23 tells us “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” I was included in that all! I was guilty, and even though I appeared good from the outside, I was still sinner who needed salvation. I spent some time that weekend talking with my mom and going over verses that were already familiar to me. I was once again faced with the choice of letting go of my sin and my control or holding on to them. My parents, my religion, my good works, my best efforts would not get me to heaven. It was that Saturday, October 18th, 2003, that I simply let go and trusted in Jesus Christ and His payment for my wicked sin by His death on the cross.

That day God began a new work in my heart, and looking back I am so very thankful for His long-suffering and mercy towards me. I am thankful for the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in my life and how He never lets me go. Have you ever been born again? Have you ever come to the place of repentance of your sin and placing your faith in Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation, the only way to be right with God? Jesus said in John 14:6, “ I am the way and the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” The only way that any of us can enter into heaven or have a relationship with God is through Jesus Christ and his work for us. If you would like to know more about what the Bible says about salvation and having a right relationship with God, please reach out and let us know, we would love to show you what he Bible has to say.