When I was still in my late teens and early twenties, someone very close to me was taken in by false teachers.  They would send in money they did not have, even to the extent of borrowing money from the bank.

I knew these teachers were wrong, but I did not know enough about the Word of God to refute them.  I also knew that God had told us in His Word that in the last days many people would be deceived, that this problem would continue to worsen, and I surely did not want to be one of them.

I prayed to God to please never let me be deceived and to help me understand His Word.

 This started a journey that I never expected.  God answered this prayer as I studied His Word.

I had no idea how it would change my life.  I have often found myself in situations where I am the cause of conflict, especially within the church.  I know the Bible says one thing.  I hear people teaching something different, and I find myself in conflict with others.  When I speak up and point out that God says this, or He didn't say that,  showing them what the Bible says, then very often people get angry.  I have learned how it feels to be hated and rejected at times.  

Now, as I'm older, I see more and more that false teaching has truly become the norm.  It is growing at a frightening rate.  It appears that hardly anyone in our churches knows the truth or searches for the truth in the Bible.  I also feel more and more compelled to speak up for God.  There is still conflict, but it is my hope that I will earnestly desire to please God more than I desire  to please people.