What was life like before you met Jesus?
As a child and teenager I was just going through the motions of attending church as it was the good thing to do. I would walk to the front of the sanctuary every time they asked who wanted to be saved. I sometimes felt that even though I was saved, my sins were huge and unforgivable so I did not fully understand the grace and peace that was available to me from our Heavenly Father.
How did you meet Jesus?
I grew up knowing about God and the things of God but I have spent many years going through the motions, living life on my terms, making poor choices and struggling with trials relying on God only when I needed him. I would force myself to believe I could survive any trial. Philippians 4:13 is and has been my “mantra” for a long time. A year ago, God gave me the desire to begin to find a home church for myself and family, and through this process he began drawing me closer to him. Now I know that I have peace with God, because Jesus has given me life! I no longer need to strive to live in my own power because I am reconciled to God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?
I’ve spent the last year trying to find a way to bring my family to God and bring me back to God. I know God has always been there. He was protecting me and guiding me even when I wasn’t looking or thinking about him in those moments of struggle. This year I am turning 50! I now realize that I spent the first 50 years of my life living for myself, but now God has given me the desire to live today and each following day (Lord willing another 50 years) not for myself, but all for His glory! I now see the story of my life through the lens of the Prodigal Son - I truly fell the Father loving embrace because of what Jesus has done for me. Through Jesus I get to build my armor of Faith, Love, and Hope and trusting him to guide me his way; not mine. Ephesians 6:10-18 says “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”