Ten years ago, I gave my life to Jesus at a high school church camp, but after I got to college I forgot all about it and lived like everyone else. Now I'd like to start all over with God but I'm afraid He must be out of patience with me. Please tell me if I'm wrong. — W.J.

You are wrong. God has never stopped loving you, and He has never stopped hoping that you will turn back to Him. The Bible says, "But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God" (Nehemiah 9:31).

One reason I know God has not abandoned you is because you are wondering if He has! You see, God is working in your heart right now by His Spirit, and He is the one who's giving you a desire to turn back to Him. Would He do that if He had abandoned you? No, of course not. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44)—and I believe God is doing that in your life right now.

The person who is in the most danger spiritually is the one who hears God's voice—but then turns away. Don't make that mistake! Instead, by faith turn to God, confessing your sins to Him and asking Christ to cleanse you, and then committing yourself to be His follower. Don't let the crowd determine how you will live, but make it your goal to live for Christ.

Then take steps to strengthen your spiritual life. Many new believers fall away because they never pray or read their Bibles or have fellowship with God's people. Don't let that happen to you, but learn to walk with Christ every day.