Walking In God's Love
Arlene's Testimony
During college I had fallen away from God, turning my back on religion. I lost faith in everything. I became pessimistic and discouraged. If there were a God how could He allow all of the horrible things that are going on in this world? Didn't He care?
Yes. God cares. He grieves over this world, over the fallen state of humanity. Because of His love, He sent his son, Jesus, to redeem His people. (John 3:16)
And though I had turned my back on religion, God did not forget the vow I'd made. I was His. He brought me back to him by using my marriage first (and the desire to be married in a church), then my pregnancy (by putting me in the same childbirth class with Barbara Shelby who was walking strongly with God and gave birth to her first child the same day I did to mine), and then leading me to Faith Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Gainesville, Florida. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:27-29
I used to wonder why I was here. I once believed that I was important, that I was going to change the world, that I had been born for a purpose. God does have a purpose for every one of His people. We are here to do all we can to the glory of God.
I can make a difference, with God's help. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Cor. 10:31.
This revelation didn't come as a flash in the night. No, this has been a long time in building. At first is was a struggle just to accept that God even existed! Oh, but once I realized that He does, it has been years of studying the Bible that has brought me to this point -- and I am not finished growing!
God makes Himself as accessible that a child can come to Him, but is as unfathomable that a life-time of study could never uncover all that He has to say about Himself. Yet He promises: But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. John 3:21.
Sanctification is a long process. When I was a child I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a (wo)man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Cor. 13:11-12.
After our marriage, I can say that Mark and I were never so happy! We got pregnant on our honeymoon and our first son was born 9 months to the day of our wedding. I joined Faith Presbyterian, thinking that I needed to do so for the sake of my son, not realizing how much I would need them, and how much I would learn about the character of God. Our son was with us only 18 short months, but through the miracle of his life I came appreciate God's sacrifice in giving His Son. After the tragedy of the death of a child, one might turn from God, distrusting Him to be a sovereign and loving God -- but that isn't so. I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, save me!" The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Psalm 116:1-6.
God heard my prayers and during my grief he gave me another child to love -- a wonderful healthy son, Jeffrey! And then knowing how I'd wanted a "family" God mercifully gave us Jessica, our beautiful daughter. God showed us His faithfulness and mercy and what a blessing our children are! Behold children are a gift of the Lord; The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the (person) whose quiver is full of them... Psalm 127:3-5a
It is never too late to walk in God's love! God will welcome you, as the father welcomed home the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), and as He welcomed me back! But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them. Neh 9:17
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