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A MAN OF FAITH

The following is the personal testimony of Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma in his own words:

Tom Barrett, the leader of the Christian Embassy, said to me, "Inhofe, we don't think you have ever really accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior." That's when I publicly exploded.

I "blew up" right there in the exclusive House of Representatives' Dining Room. "Who do you think you are?! How can you ask me that; after all these good things I've done!"

Tom persevered, "When did you specifically ask Jesus to come into your life?" I snapped back, "All of the time!"

Then he asked a perplexing question, "How long have you and your wife been married?"

"It's been about 29 years (at the time)."

Tom continued, "Do you propose to your wife every day?"

I said, "No, of course not."

He spoke, "Why not?"

I replied, "Because we were already married!"

Then the lights began to come on in my mind. I realized I had been living "out of wedlock" with Christ for decades. Right there in the dining room, at 2:30 in the afternoon on September 22, 1988, in the nation's Capitol, we prayed in front of everybody; and Jesus came into my life.

I thought I had done all the "right and correct" things, or works. At that time I had been an elected official for 18 years and in the House of Representatives for almost two years. During that time, I prided myself very arrogantly on all the wonderful acts I had done. I had never missed the prayer breakfast or the weekly Bible study on the House side. I thought I was doing all the right things.

But to be questioned directly was a rude awakening to me!

When I made that lifelong decision, I was in the middle of my great turmoil. Many people would not have been able to live through those circumstances. There were family lawsuits and other tragedies in my family.

I said, "All right God, I cannot do it. Lord, it is YOUR problem now!" I immediately adopted the scripture, "Cast all your cares upon the Lord, lean not unto thine own understanding."

All of those problems were instantly resolved one way or another.

This does not mean that when somebody accepts Jesus Christ, the problems are going to end. We all know that is not true. But, quickly all those issues were resolved. I have the comforting feeling that no matter what happens, there is no problem my Lord cannot handle.

As a Senator, that is a very comforting thing. Many members in the House and the Senate are so concerned about their careers, that they worry all the time. I do not have to worry, because God is in control. Through it all, Jesus is my strength.

I just want you to know that some good things are happening in Washington, D.C. The prayer breakfast and the weekly Bible study is growing. No matter how far apart we are philosophically, senators come together in the spirit of Jesus.

The Washington Times refers to Senator Inhofe as, "An individual willing to stand alone if necessary to assure that our freedoms…are secure." He has been happily married to his wife Kay for 42 years, and they have four children and 11 grandchildren.

"POLITICAL FAITH" is a nationally-syndicated "testimony in courage" of U.S. Senators and U.S. Congressmen who unashamedly practice their faith. It is edited by RFC Board Member, Bob Armstrong.
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