Before Jesus Changed My Life
Growing up, I was enrolled in an Evangelical Lutheran grade school and knew all the "right answers" when asked theological questions. However, I didn't know God personally or that God could be more than just a distant Father. Although I wouldn't admit it, deep down I thought I could do whatever I wanted since I was baptized as a baby and did all the correct Christian things. I wasn't placing my identity in my Creator, but in created things. I turned to alcohol, popularity, and an abusive relationship that led to more brokenness than the freedom I was searching for. I realized that I was digging a deep hole for myself and didn't know how to find my way out.
How Jesus Changed My Life
Jesus changed my life the day I ended a toxic relationship I was in. I didn't know it was God at the time, but I felt a strong, unavoidable voice telling me that this wasn't the plan He had for me; this wasn't the end. Looking back I see that it was God calling me to a new life in Christ. I could have wallowed in my sin, but the Gospel is the good news that Jesus saves sinners through His life, death, and resurrection. Christ is the only way that I can have a renewed relationship with God (John 14:6). He was offering true freedom and to drink from living water that would truly satisfy me. Once I ended that relationship, I had to make other difficult decisions, like stepping away from worldly friendships and alcohol. I had a deep desire to actually follow Christ, but I didn't know what that looked like. By God’s grace and provision, I was drawn to a bible-believing church/campus ministry at my college through Salt Company. Salt Company/Veritas Iowa City helped me grow and mature as a Christ-follower, and I am so thankful that Jesus rescued me from the depths of my sin and brokenness. I rest in the fact that “there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 ESV).
My Life After Jesus Saved Me
My life after Jesus saved me is drastically different. My grip on wanting to be known by the world has shifted to peace in knowing that the Creator of the World knows me, and that's enough. The opinions of others can't shake me because my faith is founded on the Rock who is unshakable. In times of sorrow and in times of rejoicing, I praise God because His thoughts and ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9). This life on earth is so short, and I await the day when I can rejoice in heaven and sing "holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (Revelation 4:8b ESV). I have a God-given confidence that my eternal life is with the Lord because I wasn't the one who lived a perfect life, died on a cross, and rose from the dead; it was Jesus Christ, my Savior, my friend, my true joy.