Before Jesus Changed My Life
I have grown up in the church my entire life. I have had great parents who set an example for me and showed me what it looks like to live a Christ-like life. But ultimately, I fell into hearing and knowing these truths seen in the gospel without understanding them. I was not actively seeking God and pursuing a relationship with him. Thankfully, it’s not up to me, and God pursued me anyway. One of the things I struggled with most was that I never really felt I had that light bulb moment so many people talk about. I didn’t come from a super rough background or have a crazy awakening moment. But I realized, while talking to my leader John, that God uses us all in different ways, and that Him saving me is the same miracle that saves any other person, no matter their background or history. It’s all just a part of his plan, and we’re just along for the ride. But not having that moment always made me question whether I was saved or not. That questioning of my faith caused me to fall into a cycle of sin that got to the point where it didn’t even bother me. I was okay with where I was, claiming to be saved but not living like it and repenting.
How Jesus Changed My Life
This past spring I felt this calling from the Holy Spirit that was just kind of saying, “What are you doing?” Like, why wasn’t I taking my faith seriously? Why wasn’t I living out this faith I know to be true? So I reached out to my leader, John, and started a Bible study with him, which led us to talk about baptism. I told him I wanted to be baptized and make that public proclamation and commitment to Christ and the church. It was a very clear calling that I simply could not ignore. Christ called me out of the slump I was in in my walk of faith. Everything just fell into place in my mind, and it all started to make sense. It is truly amazing how He used even just little things in my life to get me back on the right track. It is truly amazing how much he loves those whom he has chosen, and there is nothing he won’t do to bring us back to him. He says in Isaiah 43:4, “Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, people in exchange for your life.” And ultimately, he sent his son Jesus to be perfect on our behalf and to pay the penalty for our sin on the cross with his life. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
My Life After Jesus Saved Me
Lately, more than ever, I have been in the Word, not just reading the words but understanding them more. I have also been in a more consistent prayer life, and it’s something I enjoy doing and look forward to more. Also, I have been more outgoing, which I never really was. I have been wanting to share my faith with those around me, whether it’s teammates, classmates, or friends. Because I have this hope, and I want them to have it too. Not to say everything is always perfect because obviously it’s not, but my faith life has come a long way because of how Christ has worked in my life. I am blessed that He chose me and that makes me so eternally thankful.