Testimony

On the radio the other day, I heard multiple people being interviewed; they were asked a question,
“What does Jesus mean to you?” As I listened my heart welled up with a great desire to raise my hand to the height of its extension and exclaim, “Everything!” “Jesus means everything to me.” The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize I need him… for everything. None of us are perfect, and life is hard, but I have found that Jesus is the remedy; he is the answer to our problems, trials, conflicts, and healing for our heartaches. I have found the promise of his unfailing love, his peace, and presence to be true.

As a young teenager, I did what was “right” on the outside, hoping to fit in and be liked, and to keep the peace. I was taking my identity to everyone I met, and when I didn’t meet their approval, I felt devalued and never felt good enough. Little did I realize all my good behavior was not the answer to my being or feeling accepted.

As I was trying to discover my identity as a teenager, my dad explained to me the answer of my search for acceptance. Even though I had never done anything terribly bad in my outward behavior, I still had sin in my life for the Bible says, “Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standards” (Romans 3:23 NLT). I learned that sin is self-centeredness and missing the mark of God’s perfection. Sin was the culprit to my insecurity.

My dad shared that Jesus came to die and pay the penalty for my sin. I was touched and prayed thanking God for Jesus’ life sacrificed for mine – for the forgiveness of my sin. I asked him to fill me with his Spirit, and I have never been the same. Scripture promises, “When the Spirit of the Lord comes on you in power, you will be changed into a different person.” He took my selfish heart and gave me a new one.

Since that day, my life has had ups and downs. Recently my husband and I went through a year of employment. But through it all, God was faithful to provide for our every need; we never went without. Although it was hard, there was joy in the midst of suffering. God took what was meant for evil and worked our circumstances for good. During this time we were making our final edits, and payments self-publishing. My husband was at home to help me stay focused and help edit. After the books release, as I started a more demanding speaking schedule, he was at home to be with the kids. I could not have done it without his support and belief in me!

These are the times when I can say, “I know God was with me…though the waters were rising ….they did not sweep over me” (Isaiah 43:2) You see, My Savior is alive. I have discovered he is the only way, the truth and the life. His love was demonstrated on the cross in the height of his suffering, “for he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). His sacrificial love through his shed blood and prayers, proclaimed to me, “Forgiven and accepted.” All of this is by his grace; Jesus saved me from myself.

Each of us is invited into an eternal relationship with God. Because of what Christ has done, we have total access to him. We are designed for eternity. We are designed for a life of communion with God. My heart and passion is to share what I have found with others – to know this love – through building spiritual confidence through whole hearted devotion in prayer aided by journaling.