What was life like before you met Jesus?

I first met Jesus when I was 5. I went to church and learned Bible stories and children’s songs. However, I was an absent Christian most of my life. I thought that loving Jesus was enough, having never been taught how to follow him. Growing up, I periodically went to church with my family, but rebelled against being made to attend. However, I always thought I could handle life's troubles on my own, only praying when I needed help, often asking, "Why me?" when life got hard. My whole life, I knew that Jesus loved me and I loved him, but I never understood the importance of having a relationship with him.

How did you meet Jesus?

In 2020, when the world shut down, my relationship with Jesus began! I had my daughters and their husbands living with me. My youngest daughter (20) began to pour into me during that time. She found Jesus as a teen and had been building her relationship with Jesus for several years. I ordered a study bible, and we began reading daily. I had someone who I trusted to answer most of my basic questions about Jesus and what it looks like to walk with him - to have a personal relationship with him. After starting with Romans, we read Matthew. Matthew 11: 28-30 (NLT) says, "Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give you is light." This verse spoke to me. We began having a conversation about sin... my sins specifically. I began to learn about my own behaviors that I'd considered to be "just me" was actually sin as shown in the Bible. I needed to pray for repentance consistently and His guidance to help, lead, and guide me to a better way. I learned that I also needed a spiritual community to keep me focused on the right path. I learned that we can’t do it alone. I learned that having a relationship with Jesus leads to spiritual freedom. These readings and conversations began to help me overcome some of the negative learned behaviors I had most of my life.

After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?

I can look back and see God's impact on my life at every turn. I can see Him guiding me to where I am today. Whether it was the divorce I endured, the relocation to CR as a single parent, the friends he helped me choose, or the church that God used to bring my daughter to saving faith, which eventually brought me to Jesus. He has pursued me. Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT) says, "Long ago the Lord said to Israel: "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." I can see that he's been drawing me in. I am grateful that He does not give up and that I continue to learn how to deepen my relationship with Jesus. My life today is full of his blessings, including my loving husband and blended family.