Twenty years ago today, I became a Christ-follower… a Christian. I’ve posted this before, but I thought it worthy of re-posting in honor of my 2oth Spiritual Birthday!
I grew up in a good Christian home, daughter to a Christian School Teacher. I made a profession of faith when I was four but really began to doubt my salvation at age 9 because I remembered so little about it. My church began showing the BJU Press videos every Saturday nights, and I really began to be convicted at the reality shown on the screen that I was not genuinely saved.Amazingly, even at age 9, my pride was still so great that it kept me from getting things settled. During the intermission of Sheffey, I escaped to an empty hallway and cried and prayed and told myselft very sternly that I WAS saved and everything was okay! After the movie that night, our family went out for ice cream, but I was very quiet. So much so, that my mom even asked if I was feeling sick. When we finally got home, I told my parents that I needed to talk and we all went into their bedroom. I told them all about my doubts and conviction I was under. Thankfully, they didn’t try to convince me that I was saved. Instead, they suggested I just go ahead and make sure that very night. At the age of 9, my prideful heart surrendered to God and gave my life to Him.
When I was 12 years old, my family moved to Shelby, NC. My mom began a new position as teacher/principal of a brand new school. The Lord really used those years of Junior High and High School to get me to the place where I was living my life more focused on Him and on His will for me.
I went to a small Bible College where the Lord continued to work in my life and draw me closer to Him.I graduated college with a degree in Elementary Education and began my first year of teaching at Grace Christian School.That same year I began dating and then married my husband in March of 2000.
We are continuing serving the Lord here seeking His best for our lives. In the last year or so, the Lord has really made the truth that He loves me so abundantly clear, and it is amazing what really grasping that fact can do for you. No matter who comes or goes or whatever is unsure in your life, that fact will never change.We learn the verse, “For God so loved the world…” when we are so young, but sometimes we don’t really stop to think all that it really means for us. He loves me…
Thanks for sharing this! I needed to read this today. It’s so easy to get down when things are going the way you would hope for them to and you know that you need not worry that the Lord will take care of us but we still worry or at least I do but everything we do is for him and not for ourselves but I have to remind myself of that and that he loves me and will take care of me and it may not turn out the way I would want it to but the way that the Lord sees it best. Thanks!
WOW, thanks for sharing… I think it’s very cool that you remember the date and everything… I just remember the year/place/experience, but that is about it. I always love to hear how others have come to Christ, b/c it’s so different for everyone. Praising the Lord for this milestone with you — and thankful for you being my sister in Christ. Happy “birthday.” :)
TEARS!!!!!!!!!!!! Its sad how many people just think going to church makes you go to heaven or even baptism .. some have never dropped to their knees and prayed that God would come into their heart and save them. Mine was at Vacation bible school when I was 8. so sweet I remember saying Jesus come into my heard and save me. Yes we have all still sinned but he does forgive us! I just hope to see my kids get saved one day so I will know they will go to heaven if not how hard that would be to loose them and not know for sure thats where they went. So many people just dont know!
I love hearing this story even though I’ve heard it so many times before. :) Yay for being so young! ;) On Sunday, I was just thinking that I will turn “16” this September!