My Testimony
I grew up as an only child in a single-parent home with a loving mother in an environment that was full of peace. In spite of this, I struggled with insecurity, low self-esteem and rejection. I never felt good or pretty enough, and I was a perfectionist. I valued the opinions of others about me over what I knew deep down to be the truth. I often felt alone and misunderstood by others. I buried the hurt that I received at the hands of others. This once care-free little girl became withdrawn and held in a chokehold of unforgiveness.
I grew up going to church and considered myself a Christian, but I knew that I was living a double life. As a middle school student, I wanted to fit in. I would act one way at school and another way at church. I knew all of the latest songs on the radio and the dirty jokes, but I also knew all of the worship songs and all the religious talk. I was a chameleon--- able to blend in with whatever environment I was in. I regularly attended youth group at my local church, but I knew that there had to be more to being a Christian than what I was experiencing.
The summer before high school, I did not realize it then, but God was drawing me to Himself. I was starting to want to know Him intimately. As I went to youth group each week, I was becoming more captivated by God. For the first time, I realized that I was not and could never be good enough to stand before a holy God. I understood that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in my place for all the wrong that I had done and would ever do. I also understood that He resurrected from the dead on the third day and ascended to Heaven, paving the way for me to experience eternal life with God forever.
Since making this decision, there have been many positive changes in my life. I now know who I am in Christ, and that I was never rejected or alone because God, who is a good and loving Father, was always with me. I now realize that God's opinion of me is the only one that matters, and that I don't have to try to be someone that I am not to be accepted by Him. I also realize the importance of extending the forgiveness to others that I so desperately need for myself.
If you would like to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, simply pray the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I come to you as a sinner needing forgiveness.
I believe you paid the penalty for my sin when you died on the cross. I believe you resurrected from the grave and ascended into heaven.
Today I make you are the Lord of my life. Right now, I turn away from sin and living for myself, and I put my faith completely in You.
From this day forward, I will live and serve you as my God.
I receive your forgiveness.
Please send your Holy Spirit to come into my life and give me the power to serve you, Jesus.
Thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life. Amen.
Welcome to the family of God! All of heaven is rejoicing over your decision!
Luke 15:7 (AMPC) says, "Thus, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one [especially] wicked person who repents (changes his mind, abhorring his errors and misdeeds, and determines to enter upon a better course of life) than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance."
Additional Resources: If you would like prayer or to speak with a prayer counselor, please call (727) 893-8888. You can also visit www.jesuschangedmylife.net.