I grew up being taught about God by my parents. Although I appreciate their teaching very much, God seemed very distant to me and not personal. It seemed like God was someone I turned to when I had a major problem in my life, or someone I served so He would allow good things to happen to me.
As a result there was never peace. I never knew how many prayers or good deeds were enough to get God to accept me. I also felt very proud and boastful when I saw that I was more religious than other people.
It was during this time in high school that I had a very simple but important conversation. My aunt from Australia had just flown in for a visit. She asked me a simple question, “how is your relationship with God?” That question shocked me. My aunt then showed me how much God wanted to have a personal relationship with me– she told me about the story of Jesus. It was shown to me that I was accepted by this all-powerful, all-knowing God not because I was good enough, but only because of the unearned favor he has for me. He demonstrated His love for me through Jesus.
I then put my trust in who Jesus is and I began to grow in this relationship with Him.
Now I am older and still confused at times but also at peace. I know my identity is secure even if I fail a thousand tests. It’s secure because I am accepted by God himself.
Jesus completely changed who I am and He is still at work in my heart. I have experienced His hand in my life and I know that He is with me. My hope is that I can share His story with the people around me as I serve them and hold onto who Jesus is!
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you; he will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.”
13 | Daily Visitors |
