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Jesus Christ has changed my life. This is my story.
I grew up in a family that didn't go to church and I had never heard about Jesus as a young girl. While I always knew my mom and dad loved me very much, they had significant struggles as my dad had battled with alcoholism since before my sister and I were born. It had significantly shaped my early years; at a young age I didn't know exactly what was happening in our home, but I knew something was wrong and it filled me with a longing for security and peace. I remember not liking myself very much. I wanted to be a better person, think better thoughts, be nicer to others and for my father to stop drinking so my mom could be happy and we could have a "normal" family. There was a little church around the corner from my house, and I had a real curiosity about what was going on there every Sunday morning. I decided to go there by myself to see what it was about. Shortly after, I was invited to go to Vacation Bible School at another church close to our home. It was there that I heard about Jesus. By the end of the week I knew that I wanted and needed Him in my life...I read in the Bible that Jesus was the Son of God. He had come to earth and lived a perfect life only to willingly die as the sacrifice for the sin that separates man from God--my sin. I learned that He was raised from the dead and appeared to many people before He went back to heaven to prepare a place for me to live forever with Him. Sometimes when I think about this, it all seems so fantastic--so impossible, like only a really naive, simple person would believe it. But something in my heart knew it was true, that Jesus was who the Bible said He was, and that He was the ONLY way to God and eternal life...the only way to the hope and peace and security I longed for. I prayed this simple prayer that day in the basement classroom of that church: "Jesus, I know now that I am a sinner. Thank you that you died for me so that I can be forgiven. I believe You are who You say You are. Please come into my life, forgive me and help me to be a better person. I want to live my life for You." This began a lifetime of learning what it means to walk with the Lord every day; years of growing into the decision I made as an 11 year old girl. Little did I know that within a year my dad would leave my mom and sister and I...God knew I would need a father, and He was there with me during those difficult growing up years. I was baptized in that little church, and spent many wonderful years in the youth group, learning about who Jesus was and how I could be more like Him--more like I wanted to be, but couldn't be on my own. I haven't always made good choices or represented Jesus well. As I got older I did many things I'm so ashamed of...I made poor choices along with the good ones. I wasn't always a good friend or daughter or sister. Many times I've lied and hated and thought things I would never repeat out loud. And yet I know Jesus well, and know that He died for those things too, and has been quick to forgive me and make my heart new and clean...He has always given me a new start. There have been so many ups and downs in my life...times I have wondered if it were possible to feel another ounce of joy, and times I've been so low I didn't want to live. It's all part of my journey and history--the pages are still being written. As I've walked with Jesus for the past 34 years, I've really come to KNOW Him...through His word (the Bible), through others who have poured His love and Truth into my life, and through the Holy Spirit speaking directly to my heart. The older I get and the more I know and love Him, the more I am in a passionate pursuit to know and love Him more. He has changed my life. He can change yours. We all need Jesus to save us...the Bible says that all of us have sinned against God, and that our sin separates us from Him...in our hearts we've all lied, cheated, hated, lusted...the list goes on. As a result we'll be forever separated from a holy God. The great news is that because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins, and his resurrection, we can know that our sins are forgiven and we will live forever with Him, even after our life on this earth is done. If you see your need for a Savior and want to have a personal relationship with Jesus, it's as simple as recognizing that need, admitting you're a flawed and sinful person and asking Jesus to forgive your sin and come into your life. He'll change you from the inside out. There is no secret formula--it's as simple as that. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9). It's not about the specific words you say, just the honesty of your heart asking Jesus to forgive and change you. It's the best and most important thing you can ever do. There are so many amazing promises for those of us who know Him...a promise and answer for every need and season of life...a reason for living and the hope of eternal life when our life is through. If you want to know more about having a personal relationship with the Lord or how to get started on your own journey with Jesus, please contact me...I would love to encourage you on your way and help you find a church where you can meet other people on the same journey. God bless you on your spiritual journey...I pray you find your way to Him. |
