Before Jesus Changed My Life
I watched my alcoholic father struggle with depression and lifelong trauma from his childhood. I adapted to a bad relationship with alcohol and lying to myself about my issues because I thought it was normal. I didn’t have childhood trauma; my mom shielded me from a lot of that, but watching someone you love and trust do or say things leads you to believe that you’re not doing any wrong. We were also avid churchgoers. I prayed, asked for forgiveness, and thought that was just what you did to believe in God. I thought if I prayed and asked for forgiveness, I would go to heaven because I was doing what was expected of me by God.
How Jesus Changed My Life
It wasn’t until the passing of my father that I started to get angry with God and ask, “Why me?” I asked for forgiveness, I hadn’t sinned lately, and I was trying to do good. Then I stopped attending church because I felt like God wasn’t real. Things like this don’t happen to people like me. This wasn’t supposed to happen to my family. I was so angry and mad with God. Then my husband attended a Veritas Church service and told me I needed to try it out. Maybe seeing a different preaching and perspective would help me see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was my first church service at Veritas that Jake preached about how God doesn’t do bad things to good people; he does hard things for people who trust in God, so that when times are tough, you turn to him and let him show you the righteous path, even if it wasn’t what you were planning or hoping would happen. 1 Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit”. When all things seemed wrong, we can turn to God in prayer to help lead us closer to him. At the service, I realized how selfish I was for being angry. I was so mad about my dad leaving me here, I didn’t think about all the hurt he was saved from. I was so angry that I was in a hard spot, I wasn’t thankful that someone loved me so deeply that he died and rose again to save me. Psalm 103:2-3 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” (NIV) I began to realize that my life is not about me. Jesus took away my sin and gave me his life!
My Life After Jesus Saved Me
After this big, eye-opening event, I realized that I was so wrong about my understanding of God, so I wanted to dive in deeper. I began reading the Bible, understanding the Bible, talking about the Bible, praying more, and being part of a church that wants the same for me! Through God, I know that when my time here comes to an end, my forever life continues for eternity in heaven! With Christ, it is possible to live the life we’re called to live, all for his glory.