Scrolling through Facebook the other day, I was reminded by one of my friends, Macy, to share our story of how Jesus changed our lives - reminding me that life is for sharing. With it being Holy week and Easter only a few days away, we are remembering the resurrection of Jesus and how it is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. The fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah who would be persecuted, die for our sins, and rise on the third day (Isaiah 53). Easter is a significant date and is the foundation of the Christian faith. Jesus, the Son of God, fulfilled prophecy and through his death, has given the gift of eternal life in heaven to those who believe in his death and resurrection.
"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!"
Psalm 105:1
We are invited to celebrate what the Lord has done. Gratitude comes from remembering that wondrous works that the Lord has done, particularly those on behalf of his people.
Go out and share your story of how God has worked in your lives.
My Story.
Once starting college loneliness had this grip on me and I began looking for peace and happiness with the party crowd. I thought that if I hung out at these places long enough I not only would be meeting new friends, but that one person who would take away my loneliness and give me a purpose in life I had not yet experienced. I soon discovered that "happiness" became an illusive term. The few times I was happy did not make up for most of the time I was miserable. I seemed to only attract people who wanted to use me for their own selfish purposes - finding myself miserable beyond description. I was tired of being rejected and used, tired of putting my love out there for others and receiving nothing back. I came to the realization my life was going nowhere. Perhaps you've had that feeling before, but for me it was an ever present feeling that makes you wonder why you're here on earth.
Why can everyone else be happy, but not me?
It wasn't until late July, early August when I was truly at my lowest. I was depressed with how 2019 had already been going and had no idea what life looked like for me. Suicidal thoughts were there, but never acted upon. That's when I began finding hope. A friend of mine, Nate, had invited me in joining him at Church that following Sunday. Hesitant at first, but I went with no expectations of returning. I felt awkward and uncomfortable, but at the same time it felt right. I began returning each Sunday and from then on it only got better. I began to realize that going out to bars and partying was never the answer to the peace and happiness I was looking for and needed. I began to use that time to learn more about my Lord and what Jesus did for us on that cross.
Peace and Joy.
The loneliness and lack of peace I had experienced before began to leave. It was replaced with peace and joy I know now only Jesus can give. I found myself surrounded with a whole new set of friends, and the loneliness was also replaced with the hunger and thirst I now had to grow in Christ. I came to realize that no one could give me what I really stood in need of, which was the peace and security of knowing who I am in Christ Jesus. Whether I live or die, I know I have eternal life in Him, and through Him. Jesus Christ is my closest friend. Problems and suffering drive me to Him – not away from Him. And He always rescues me. His Spirit always comforts me.
Since I have decided to seek my Heavenly Father and please Him through this personal relationship with Jesus Christ, by being obedient to His commands in the Bible, He has been so faithful in my life in adding those things that I had so deeply desired within my heart. One of those desires was to build and maintain with relationships in my life. By meeting people who loved Jesus Christ more than anyone or anything else, people I could share Christ with – not about.
It has been about seven-ish months now since I made my decision to live for Jesus and most of that time it has been with people who God so faithfully and lovingly gave to me to help me on my journey. I can honestly say I never knew how precious and fulfilling a relationship with others could be when Christ is the center of each of our lives. I thank God so much for His faithfulness in answering my prayers and helping me in a time of need.
For those of you who have a lack of peace, who fear dying, have something missing, who have no real meaning or purpose in life, or experience loneliness and sense a lack of motivation – I delight in saying that Jesus Christ desires to come and fill those voids in your life. But it requires that you let Him have total control of your life. That may seem scary or threatening to some people, but it shouldn’t. The Bible says Jesus Christ is the One who made you (John 1:1-14).
Thank you and God bless you for letting me share my heart with you. If this has touched you in any way, please don’t go on in life without searching for answers to your questions. My questions brought me to see and realize that only Jesus Christ is the answer to all of my needs. I never knew I could be so free within myself, and it’s all because I decided to follow Jesus – letting Him make me into the person He wants me to be – in His image and for His glory.
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