All around me is darkness, and a cold and bitter wind bites at me. Within me I can't shake the feeling like something is terribly wrong, and I can't take another step. How did I get here? What happened? I had felt so confident before. The path looked steady and my feet felt sure. But with each step forward I took the light began to fade until all that is around me is darkness. I feel trapped, I need to get out, but I don't know what to do. I can't move forward anymore! Let me get a better look at where I came from, let me turn around.
To my surprise there's a man there, with a hole in each hand and a crown of thorns. His smile takes my fear away and warmth floods within me.
"Who are you?" I ask, although a part of me feels like I know the answer.
"I am the one He gave so that you may have eternal life, and I have come to save you," the man says. "How did you find me?" I ask, bewildered.
"I have been following you all this time, but you were only looking ahead so you could not see me. I knew your path would get difficult and that someday you would turn around." A peace fills my heart, but I need one more question answered.
"Why do you care so much to save me? All I've done is made mistakes?" The darkness begins to flood in again as I feel completely unworthy of such an offer. I made a mistake, I deserve to pay for it.
"Because my Father created you! He knows every hair on your head, every word you've ever spoken, and everything you've yet to do. Even now He knows you're at an impasse. He loves you so much that He sent me to die on a cross so you can have everlasting life. You have done nothing to deserve this gift, but it is one freely given by one who loves you so unconditionally. And He sent me to follow and watch over you. And now, if you so choose, I can save you and guide you to the life and purpose He has made you for. Will you choose to follow me? Or will you take another step into the darkness?" He speaks so kindly and his eyes glisten with care and concern. His smile and his words tell me I can trust him, but I know he won't force me either. He wants me to do this of my own free will. He wants my love and trust. But can I give it? The road before me looks so bleak, and I'm tired of trying to control where my feet go. And if God created me and loves me enough to send this man standing before me to die for me so that I may be clean and have a new life, then what do I have to lose?
I fall to my knees as the tears overcome their barriers and stream down my cheeks. I have a second chance, one I don't deserve, and the amount of love I've been shown is more than I can bear.
"I choose to follow you," I sob, "I choose to let you save me and lead me. I give up controlling where I go, I want what you want for me. I surrender everything to you." I continue to cry but a warm hand rests gently on my shoulder. I look up to see the brightest, most tender and beautiful smile I have seen this man give yet.
"I have waited so patiently for you to say those words, and myself and my Father in heaven along with all His angels are celebrating. If you listen closely you can hear them singing and rejoicing, praising my Father that He saves the lost sheep. Because you have surrendered to me and believe that I have come to save you I now wash you clean with my blood, and your mistakes are forgiven. Remember this place that you are in right now, for you'll need it to help others who are also lost in the darkness, but know that the darkness no longer has a hold on you. You are mine, and I love you. Now stand up and follow me."
The man envelopes me in the warmest hug I've ever known, and the darkness that threatened to creep into me is blasted away. I'm not alone, and I'm not my own. The darkness can no longer hold me. And as my feet follow the man before me I look over his shoulder and see light. I don't know where we're going, but I trust Jesus to lead me. And for a moment he looks over his should and smiles at me before telling me, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and give you a future. You are safe with me."
