My Testimony

Posted March 11th, 2008 by Jen in religion

Can I get a witness? I’ve created my own little “meme” and it’s about the most important subject to me, my faith in God and life in Christ. More than anything, I like to hear people’s stories of their faith journey - their testimony. Here is a bit of mine, and, if you’d like to share yours, too, just use this template and fill in your own answers. Leave me a comment and let me know if you participate, I’d love to read everyone’s!

1. When did you become a Christian?

There has never been a time when I didn’t believe in God. Even though I wouldn’t call my childhood home “Christian,” there was literally always a neighbor or someone who took me to church - I marvel at this looking back, that some old saints thought enough of this poor girl from the ramshackle house and impoverished family to never miss a Sunday. However, it wasn’t until I was 18 years old that I committed to live my life for one purpose - to the glory of God.

2. Was there anyone instrumental in your decision to be a Christian?

Of course, there was the drawing power of the Holy Spirit above all. Also, there was a girl in my college dorm my freshman year - Deanna - who made an impact on me. She was just a sweet individual with the light of Christ that seemed to spill out her eyes and I remember thinking, I want to be like her. Looking back on this relationship makes me realize that yes, we can make a difference by simply wearing the character of Christ every day.

3. Were there any difficulties to overcome in your early walk with God?

Like most young people, I had to deal with peer pressure. I had intentionally said No to God’s call on many occasions during my youth for fear of what others would think. No, I won’t fully live my life as a Christian, no, I can’t risk my popularity, no I can’t lose my friends. When I finally did make a firm decision, halfway through my first year of college, I did indeed lose many friends. But the new people that came into my life more than made up for it! I didn’t have a sudden transformation like some people, but a change that took place over a period of many months, and continues even to this day.

4. How did your life change after committing yourself to Christ?

For the first time, I had a hunger to read my Bible, to know God, to worship, to tell other people about Him. I’m sure I was obnoxious. There was a sadness that I hadn’t changed my life sooner. I started Bible studies in my dorm, I counseled at a children’s camp, I went to campus fellowships, I stayed up late with friends talking about God. I just had so much to learn. The honeymoon period. I am always reminded of this early phase of new love, and am continually striving to lose my complacency as a now-older Christian and return to that first love.

5. Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Jeremiah 29:11 - I know this is a favorite of many! “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I remember the first time I read that verse, and I thought, how did I never see this before?! I was seriously dumbfounded. I probably had read it before, it just never registered. I was sitting in my car, about to leave to go take the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test), and I was a wee bit terrified. I opened my Bible - you know, the random search thing, and it fell open to this page and my eyes fell on this very scripture. I was instantly calmed, and knew whatever the outcome, He had my best in mind. I suppose that had I done outstanding on the test, I would have gone to an ivy league law school and not the University of Oregon law school! Haha. Yes, I spent a year and a half in law school before I left to get my teaching degree. God is merciful. And He has a sense of humor, because I am (happily) doing the very thing I scorned at one time: homeschooling, being a wife, a mother. He knew I would be miserable looking up case law all day.

6. What does it mean for you today to be a Christian?

I’m now a wife and mother and teacher and homemaker and businesswoman…and Christian. Today, I have three main concerns: to teach my children to love God and discern the Truth, to continue in my own walk despite the many tugs and enticements on my time, and to encourage others in their journey.

7. Any last words?

For the multi-tasking and overburdened people that many of us are, I would encourage you to rearrange your priorities. Cut something. Move God up. If you have to stop going to your MOPS group or book club to make room for your own time with God to study the Bible and pray and worship, then do so. If you have to get up by 5 a.m. every morning to make it happen, then set your alarm. If you’re displaying anger and a constant quick temper toward your children, repent, because this will undeniably affect their future. Fervently pray for your children. Have conversations with friends, family members, neighbors, anyone who will listen, about the Truth of God. Share your testimony!

I’m randomly “tagging” some bloggers to do this meme, but if you’re reading this, consider yourself tagged!

Chrysalis
SmallWorld
Untraditional Home
A Bend in the Road
A Wife of Valor
Aroma of Joy
Dishpan Dribble
MooBee Farm
Boomer in the Pew
Coffee Mom
Shore Stories
Under His Construction
Life Nurturing Education
No Fighting, No Biting
PebbleChaser

By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. John 15:8

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