ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I didn’t grow up in a religious home; my parents never went to church, and they didn’t even let us talk about God. But now that I’m older I feel a need for God, and I don’t know why. Am I just rebelling against my parents?

— F.T. DEAR F.T.: I’m thankful you feel a need in your heart for God, and I sincerely pray you won’t push it aside or decide it’s not important — because it is! Jesus’ promise is for you: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Why do you feel this inner need? I can think of at least two reasons. First, our lives are incomplete without God — and you’re beginning to realize this. You see, you aren’t just a body and a mind; God also put within you a soul or spirit — and He did this so you could come to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. But when we leave Him out of our lives, our souls are left empty and hungry.

But you also feel a need for God — because God is drawing you to Himself! God loves you, and He wants to come into your life and fill you with His presence. Furthermore, He made this possible by sending Jesus Christ into the world to erase your sins and welcome you into His family forever.

I invite you to start this new year by embarking on a new journey — a journey with Christ in your life. By a simple prayer of faith ask Him to come into your life — and He will. Then ask Him to help you grow stronger in your faith every day. May God bless you.

Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangenlistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201 or visit the website at