Yesterday we were asked to present our testimonies during the morning service and I was not okay with that. Introverted people with social anxiety do not seek out opportunities such as these. But I took faith with both hands and stepped out in boldness. Hemmed by my loves and before a few hundred people I stood on a stage and opened my mouth and these words came out.
I came to faith in Jesus Christ at age 5. My mom was my Sunday school teacher and asked if anyone was ready to pray and ask Jesus to save them from their sins. I said yes. I prayed in class with my mom. I remember the experience quite clearly- the feeling of overwhelming joy and lightness in my heart. Even at 5 years old I know that something really wonderful had just happened inside of me.
I grew up understanding the Christian life to be a list of things to do and a list of things not to do. And God’s love for me was sort of contingent on my performance. I am a list follower so it was easy and yet it was not easy to live the Christian life that way. But all my effort did not yield much joy- nor did I understand what the height and depth and breadth and width of God’s love even was.
In my late teens and early twenties I went through some difficult experiences which began to awaken in me a greater desire to really know God. And tenderly, He met me in my weakness and walked me into storerooms of grace that I never knew existed. That experience began the journey I still find myself on today- a desire to know more of the great God who loved me and sent His own Son to die for my sins. His purpose for saving me from my sins was not to shame me but to lavish me with His lovingkindness and grace. And in love there is joy- so much joy!
1 Peter 1:8 explains it well “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory”
And when I was finished, I was pleased to discover that I was still alive and not completely drenched in sweat. Clearly miraculous.
I handed the microphone on and Evie reached her hand up to hold mine. Andy's voice filled the air- his story. Another testimony of God's remarkable love.
