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I started fencing when I was 14

My Bible: reasons to believe in the power of the Bible

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'I started fencing when I was 14 and became a coach at 18. When I was 19, I was given a job as a fencing coach working with national coaches, training others and being trained, working in some of the top public schools. I was living in this sport that I had such a passion for, reaching the heights that I had dreamed of and never thought possible.

I was working hard and enjoying it, but there was nothing else. I wasn’t fulfilled. What I thought I wanted wasn’t fulfilling. I was alone and it all felt pointless. So, one night I found myself in my car in a layby between Bath and Shepton Mallet, recalling some verses that I’d read when I was at school: Jeremiah 29.11. '"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you."'

I had just been doing the job. I had not been going to church. I hadn’t been making time for God. Sitting in that layby, I said to God, "I’m really sorry. Can we start again?" I felt a huge hug.

Nothing had changed, but everything had changed in that moment. I found that I could make time for church. I went to a Bible study group on a Wednesday morning. When I started to look and to try to find God, he was there. Underlying all this was a promise that had been made before I searched for it.'

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