I believe we all have something to say...a story to tell...a testimony. And I believe that each person's testimony can help someone else in some way. It's a witness to the world to know that we are human and go through things just like them but that we have a source of strength, of comfort, of hope, of peace...Christ Jesus. And they can have that too if they will only believe. It's a testimony to fellow believers that God is working in your life like He is in their lives. It's an encouragement, a support, to all who hear your testimony...and most importantly, it brings glory to God.
So here's this months featured testimony...thanks to Jessica!
Hi! I guess I'll share my testimony with you all.
I'm so grateful for all the components that have brought me to know the LORD. I haven't really grown up in a Christian home, but I've been exposed to God and church, etc. Both of my parents went to church as kids, and they both believe in God. My dad (I think) is saved. Because of him, we started going to church. At the time I was about 10 or 12. I didn't really like it... most kids don't like to sit still for an hour listening to 'boring stuff.'' Anyway, that was the first time I really was exposed to religion (I had been to church before, just not on a regular basis). My mom, however, didn't come with us very much, because my dad is Catholic and my mom is Baptist. Once, I remember, she bought my sister and me a Bible coloring book type thing... I didn't really know what to think of it. I also had 'The Beginners Bible,' and I had read it, but I guess I didn't really comprehend it.
Well, a year or two ago, I started becoming more interested in learning about religion. I had heard something about a 'comeback in Christianity' or something, and at the time, I kind of had the desire to fit in - to be cool. I guess since there was a 'comeback' I wanted to find out about it. I bought a WWJD? bracelet, and I wore it for a while. My dad also bought one, but I think he took it more seriously. I probably just had it for the fad, and after a few months (I don't exactly remember) I probably stopped wearing it. It sat in my jewelry box, along with a cross charm and earrings that I asked for in 4th grade because I thought they were 'cool'.
(Oh yeah, backtracking for a moment... in 4th grade, one of my good friends like Christian music, and I was interested in it for a while. Also, my best friend's family is, and always has been, really into Christian music and stuff. I remember going to vacation Bible study with her, and doing devotions before bedtime whenever I spent the night. Okay, sorry to get off track).
Anywho. About a year or so ago, my conscience was really bothering me every time I swore, and I gradually stopped. Also, I was realizing that it's wrong to say 'Oh my God.' (I rarely say it now... I try my best not to). I guess it really hit me last winter. A friend of mine and I were at the mall, and a minute or two after we walked in, these two girls came up to us and asked if they could ask us something. Thinking that they wanted to know where a store was or something, we said yes. Then one of them asked us if we were to die today, if we were 100% sure we'd to go Heaven. It really freaked me out. I didn't know what to say. I let my friend do most of the talking, which I now regret, but that's the past, and it's behind me. Anywho. They basically told us that if we accepted Jesus into our hearts, we would be saved, and go to Heaven when we die. My friend, however, seemed to be very opinionated about this. She was disagreeing with them, and I just nodded my head, even though I don't think I completely agreed with her. They asked us to pray with them, and my friend said that she already prayed, and I said that I did too (I actually did). That was basically it. My friend kept saying how lucky those girls were, that we didn't get mad at them for talking to us about Him. I didn't see a problem with it. It really helped me. I don't remember if I actually committed my life to Him that night, but if I did, I soon forgot about it. Until this summer…
I was still going to church, praying, and more interested in church, but not really making an effort to lead a Christian life. Well, I was online, searching for games to play, and I came across Christianity Online, on AOL. At first I just played the games, but a few days later I searched around the site more. I came across a few pages about giving your life to Christ, and becoming born-again. Well, on August 29th (I think), I was saved! I was at a website, I think it was www.Jesusgift.com, and it had a prayer to pray, and that was it.
Even though it's been less than 4 months, I've been slipping, and I feel like I keep recommitting my life to Him. I attend Bible study at my school, and that really helps me focus on God. I also really like the church I go to now (although I'm not sure I agree with the religion completely, I think going really helps me out). I've been wearing my WWJD? bracelet again, and I'm trying to take it for what it means. I'm so thankful for the gift that I've received, and I wish I could help everyone accept it. My shyness has kept me from witnessing a lot, but I know that 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' (Phil 4:13).
Anywho, that's my testimony. Hope you enjoyed it. Sorry, I kind of skipped around from subject to subject... I can't clearly express what I'm trying to say. Anywho... May God bless you always, Jessica
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