Before Jesus Changed My Life
I grew up in a Christian home with loving parents. We went to church regularly, and we always prayed as a family. My sister and I were involved in a youth group and had many Christian friends. Through those years, however, I don’t remember reading much of my Bible. When I left for college, I got away from going to church. I don’t even remember having conversations with my friends about God. After getting married, and as our family was growing, we bounced back and forth between a few churches and adult groups. It was difficult to find a perfect fit for all of us, and that’s also when our kids became busy with activities. It bothered me that the activities seemed to take precedence over church and worshipping God. I felt like I was being unfaithful to God by not speaking up and encouraging the church to come before activities. At that time, going to church seemed more like an extra, optional event than a strong, obedient priority. I didn’t advocate what I believed we should do, and I didn’t want to cause conflict. I had bouts of depression. I worried about what our future would be like and what messages we were sending to our kids. After Covid, we found ourselves back at Veritas. I always enjoyed the sermons and music, but I still felt like I was missing the closeness of Christian friends. When we did go, we really didn’t try to meet others. We just got up and left afterward, without any conversation. I wanted and needed to connect with others, and my husband and I didn’t communicate much about God. I prayed for my husband and for us as a couple, but I struggled with believing that anything would change. There were times I felt sad, alone, and even bitter. I knew I needed something else.
How Jesus Changed My Life
Jesus changed my life gradually over the past few months. I continued to pray and spent more time reading the Bible. My prayers became more specific, as I asked God to soften my husband’s heart and to fill him with the Holy Spirit. I prayed that I would be more loving, patient, and trusting that God was listening. In March of 2026, I witnessed God at work even more. My husband had a medical change, which really opened his eyes. He realized that he wasn’t in control of everything and became more attentive and interested in talking about God. Just as we are reminded in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” I realized that while I can pray for others, I am not responsible or able to change them. That is ALL God’s doing. My husband and I began praying together and really listening to God. One Sunday, he asked if I had considered getting baptized and said he was interested! I could tell the Holy Spirit was tugging at my husband’s heart. I knew he was being filled up by the fruit of the Holy Spirit, just as we read in Ezekiel 11:19, “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them…” God had transformed my husband into a more peaceful, loving, calm, and patient man. Through all those changes, I knew Jesus had been tugging at my heart as well. He strengthened my faith in God and reminded me that he is always at work and always loving us! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
My Life After Jesus Saved Me
My life now is filled with more contentment and peace. I thank God that my husband and I now share a focus of acknowledging and trusting our Lord. I have a deeper and more conscious desire to please God and to really know him. As a couple, we look forward to connecting with more Christian couples and growing in our faith. I know that in this world, I will continue to have challenging moments, but I have less worry and more joy. I often remind myself of Joshua 1:9 “…. God is with you wherever you go.” I am reminded that I can always turn to God, and he is always listening. I am never alone, and I am always loved by him! It brings me comfort to know that he already has my life planned out, with the best part at the end! I look forward to being with Jesus, face to face, someday, in eternity forever!