I have recently finished reading a book about the theory of success called Outliers by Malcom Gladwell. The basic premise of the book is that truly successful people do not come from those who by their own skill, hard work, and perseverance propel themselves to the top. Now these qualities are necessary to produce success, but true outliers are produced by a multitude of advantages that include their birth date, their heritage, and a good dose of providence.

For example, Bill Gates, Bill Joy, and Steve Jobs all were born within 6 months of each other and all came of age right as the personal computer came on the scene. Without the good fortune of their birth-date they would not have had the opportunity to become legends in the industry.

When I look back on my life, I will often think back and wonder how different my life would have been had certain events not taken place. Ephesians 2:1-4 refers to this by reminding us that God in his abundant mercy brought us out from “the prince of the power of the air” and redeemed us who had in times past been, “the children of wrath, even as others.”

There are a million things in my life that if they had not occurred, I am convinced that not only would I not be writing this blog, but I would be hungover this morning or far worse.  The most important of these was my father’s decision to move our family from NJ to NY during a time in my life when I was rejecting the Lord due to some bad friends. I can’t ever thank  my Dad enough for doing this and although I didn’t appreciate it at the time, it was the turning point in my life. I don’t think I would have even been saved had it not been for this decision.

Where would you be today if someone had not shared the Gospel with you? Did you have a Christian upbringing? What are some things in your life that have shaped you into the person you are today?

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