What was life like before you met Jesus?
Before I knew Jesus, I lived a life full of anxiousness, resentment, bitterness, fear, and hopelessness. I lived a life full of control and pressure from outside sources that eventually led me to not have a desire for God whatsoever. I had so many negative experiences that the last thing I wanted to do was go to church or be around faithful people. I lived with so much confusion as to how anyone could possibly desire to have a relationship with Christ. I had no way of knowing that I was missing something that I deeply needed.
How did you meet Jesus?
Throughout my teenage years, I started to find myself as a person. I attended Wednesday night church groups with multiple friends, which was something that I thoroughly enjoyed. I looked forward to it each week. My interest and curiosity were ever-growing. By the time I became an adult and entered college, having a relationship with Jesus was something that I fully desired. I had a childhood friend suggest going to Salt after class one night and that was all it took. I remember worshiping to the point of tears, listening to Nathan sharing a message on values, and the connection I felt with so many strangers. At the end of the service, I was praying for the start of a relationship to start with Jesus. During the end of worship, I had a full-body chills moment. I knew exactly what had just happened. Jesus was in my heart and I was now one of His. I didn't have words during that moment, and still don't to this day. I began reading the bible, finding bible verses that spoke to me in specific aspects of my life, and began regularly attending Salt and Veritas. The bible verse that sticks out to me from this time is, Philippians 4:3 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I had no idea what my future held, but I knew that I was in good hands.
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
After being saved by Jesus, I haven't lived a life full of anxiety, resentment, bitterness, fear, or hopelessness. I don't need to because Jesus has a plan for my life. He hasn't left my side since he entered my heart. Jesus is with me everywhere I go. I've formed relationships with other people in ways that I didn't know were possible. My relationships in my life aren't just surface-level, they are significant because they are centered around Christ. I believe that I'm living on a mission to spread the good news that Jesus brings. I am a light that shines His goodness. I have the opportunity each day to show people the love that Christ has for me and for them, too. I know that someday, I will spend eternity with Jesus when he calls me home. The bible verse that has been placed on my heart for years is Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” I know that Jesus will protect me and provide for me in all situations. My heart and mind feel contentment constantly because of Jesus. My favorite part of service has been worship from day one, and it continues to be a time where I feel more connected to Jesus than anywhere else.