From Rock Star Dreams to Eternal Purpose: How Jesus Became My Bread of Life
Something amazing took place February 9, 1964, ten days before my twelfth birthday. It was the first appearance of the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan TV show (For those unfamiliar with the Ed Sullivan show, it was a variety show that spanned 23 years!) Anyone seeking fame and fortune wanted to get a chance to be on the Ed Sullivan show! Many believe that first Beatles appearance changed music culture and catapulted Rock N’ Roll to greatness. By my fourteenth year I had my first drum set and had become an avid Beach Boy fan. My dream and goal was to become a Rock Star! But then pretty girls entered my life.
Early Goals and Detours
My next goal in life was to do something significant for humanity like becoming a doctor. Two events deterred me from that. Physiology class, learning about the 206 bones of the human body (not my interest) and discovering I pass-out at sight of my own blood! Next!... Having aced my debate class in my senior year of high school, I entered my first year of college with political science as a major. Two courses in that idea convinced me that it was not a good career goal. There just seemed to too many gray perspectives and not near enough clarity between right and wrong. There had to be something better… Three attempts to enter the military turned up negative. Then an opportunity in retail opened and I spent eight years in that. Though I enjoyed my career in the retail business and had good success, God had other plans for my life. This journey reflects how God redirects us, as in Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, a welcoming Baptist church in Mascoutah IL near Scott Air Force Base, many in our church family— including military families—have experienced similar redirections toward God's purpose.
The Path to Faith and Purpose
The same deterrent (a pretty girl) that kept me from my first goal (Rock stardom!) led me to church. There I found love, acceptance and encouragement. These people had peace in the midst of adversity and a vibrant faith. The relationships I made there had me wanting what they had. In the course of time in worship and Bible study I discovered the missing element in my life. God had been near all my life, and I had just not seen Him working. As I surrendered my will to His I realized my purpose and a calling. Serving Jesus became my new and final goal in life. This aligns with Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Through community like that at our Southern Baptist church in Mascoutah, God reveals Himself in everyday relationships and challenges.
Satisfied in Christ
My search for significance came to reality when Jesus became my “bread of life”. The other part of verse 35 reads: “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.” From the very first day in June 1973, when Jesus became Lord of my life, He has never disappointed. He always keeps His promises! As Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) assures: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." In daily life, this means finding contentment in Christ amid uncertainties, whether facing career changes or family moves near Scott AFB. Living Out Your
To apply this truth, consider these practical steps as part of our church family at First Baptist Church Mascoutah:
Reflect on your past: Journal about your goals, detours, and where God has been at work, sharing in Bible study groups in Mascoutah for support.
Surrender daily: Begin each day in prayer, inviting Jesus to satisfy your deepest needs as the bread of life.
Build community: Join small groups in Mascoutah IL or attend a community meal in Mascoutah to experience the love and encouragement that drew me to faith.
Serve and grow: Explore baptism in Mascoutah if ready, or volunteer with Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah, our faith-based preschool helping families near Scott Air Force Base nurture young faith.
Still looking for a goal, a career, a purpose for your life? Surrender to Christ Jesus and find your way. He has your plan ready. He is just waiting for you to see it and claim it! At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, a military-friendly church near Scott AFB, we live this out together—loving God, loving others, growing in faith, and sharing the Gospel. If you're seeking churches in Mascoutah IL or a family church near Scott Air Force Base, join us for services, events like Oasis, or connect through our Christian preschool in Mascoutah IL. Come discover the satisfaction only Christ provides.
This guest post was contributed by Sherman Smith, a pastor with over forty years of faithful service. His reflections remind us of God's unchanging purpose in our lives. Thank you, Sherman, for sharing your story with our church family! We welcome guest contributions that point others to Christ. If you'd like to share a testimony, devotion, or encouragement, contact us at First Baptist Church Mascoutah.
