Got faith? Prove it.
I filled out an application to serve as a junior church teacher last year, and along with the application I had to submit my testimony. I was a bit nervous because I had never actually put it all together – and certainly not on paper.
It was quite the challenge. It made me think – how on earth do I put into (limited) words everything God has done in my life?!
A testimony is something designed to help others see what God is all about and what amazing things he can do, but it also makes you realize what the Lord has done in your life – and appreciate it! If you’ve never taken the time to think it through and write it down, I want to encourage you to do so. You won’t regret it.
This is mine…
Even though I wasn’t raised in a Christian home, I was very fortunate to have had Christian friends sprinkled throughout my life. I will NEVER forget when a dear childhood friend told me (when we were in elementary school) that the neighborhood boy that we both had a crush on would NEVER consider marrying me because I didn’t go to church.
I…was…CRUSHED.
I knew in my heart that I loved God. Wasn’t that enough?
My friend shared the truth with me in love, and she’s one I’ve always been able to trust to tell me the truth ever since. As I became older, I met more friends who would invite me to their church or church activities. I never could get a handle on what I truly needed to do to become a Christian, but what I did understand was it sure felt good to be in church and to have friends who would pray with me.
It wasn’t until my freshman year in college that I realized what I was missing—a relationship with Christ. My roommates and I were invited to a Campus Crusade for Christ retreat.
It was then that I finally realized that He would forgive me for ALL of my sins. (Even all those stupid choices I made in high school!) It was during this time that I not only began a relationship with our Lord, I also met the man to whom I have been married for almost 30 years!
We have been involved in various forms of ministry for most of our married years, until two years ago when he stepped out of the ministry.
When he was preaching from the pulpit, I found my ministry was working with children. Although I was blessed and learned so much through those years of ministry, (Believe me, even though you are the teacher, YOU are the one who learns many lessons when teaching children!) it wasn’t until the last two years that I FINALLY stepped out of my comfort zone to let adults know how strongly I feel about my faith – about our God.
I realize there are many negatives connected with Facebook, but one positive is that it has allowed me (and others) to share many personal stories, hoping to encourage others in their walk with the Lord, or give them hope, period! With that being said, I am so thankful that God never gave up on me and continues to teach me through all my life lessons, although many are difficult ones.
Believe me, no matter what your past is, God still loves you. He DOES have a plan for you….a PERFECT plan. He’s just waiting on you, just like He waited on me. If you’re still breathing, it’s not too late.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
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