Psalm 40:2-3 NIV He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
One of my favorite things to do with my mom is sit down over dinner and listen to testimonies of faith given by different people around the world. I’ve heard some amazing stories of people who left behind really dark things in their past and now walk into a bright and glorious future with Jesus Christ by their side. As Christians, we all have testimonies that are meaningful to others. This is the shortened version of mine.
I was born into a church going Christian family. I was also really blessed with many people through out my life who encouraged me to walk with Christ. Unfortunately, going to church didn’t mean much more to me than pretty dresses, easter egg hunts and later on, cute boys.
As I entered my teenage years, many things affected my mental health. An older brother who was very emotionally and mentally abusive, being bullied at school, and learning disabilities are just a few examples. It seemed the harder I tried to seek worldly approval, the more I failed. I wanted to be beautiful, smart, popular, and loved. Instead of opening my bible and seeking truth from God, I continued to seek approval from both platonic and romantic relationships.
While I made a choice to accept Christ at nearly sixteen, I still didn’t make many changes. Because I so often neglected scripture, I couldn’t tell you why I had accepted Christ. On October 31st, 1998, I was on a youth retreat in Vero Beach, Florida. My pastor, Dave, personally sat me down and explained the Gospel to me. I had a hard time with the concept at first because the answer to just accept the gift Jesus offered seemed too simple. I essentially said yes and accepted Christ that night but part of my confusion was having a belief that I was already a Christian. I was wrong- being part of a Christian family doesn’t save you. Dave must have really been led by God that night. God knew something I didn’t and he used Dave to reach the confused young girl that I was.
I continued to make grave mistakes. Promiscuity, laziness, drugs and alcohol entered my life. I made a decision on two separate occasions to marry. Neither man was a Christian, and both ended in divorce. I don’t think I have to tell you that all these decisions led to anxiety and depression, yet I still didn’t call on the Lord.
Then, I lost my child. I was so heartbroken. I felt I was really at my very lowest. I didn’t know up from down, but somehow knew the answer was God. So, I went to church. I poured my heart out on a prayer card. Then the people at that church poured love into me unlike any I had ever known. I realized that what I truly needed was a true relationship with Christ- and there he was, ready and waiting.
The road since then has been bumpy. I haven’t been the perfect example of a Christian because none of us are perfect. I’m still a sinner forgiven and saved by the grace of God. The beauty of my life is that God placed new dreams within me, he gave me new hope, and a new chance every day to try again. Much of my closeness with God is maturity but most of it is knowing my worth in his eyes.
I asked a question a few days ago. I wanted to know who Jesus is to you. For me, Jesus is not just my savior, but he’s also my King. He’s my light, my everlasting to everlasting. He’s my provider, my peace and my joy. Jesus didn’t just forgive me by dying for me, he forgave me over and over and patiently waited for me to return and set my focus on him.
Now that I’ve shared my story, I would love to hear yours. How has God answered prayer and changed your life?
Never Ending Praise The Lord 
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