August 1, 2005 – The day I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.
I was living in Los Angeles and attended a nearby church when I came across a Daily Bread booklet on my way out. I felt compelled to take it at the moment but didn’t read it until the next night while on the treadmill (super dangerous – don’t recommend it).
Like many people, I always believed in God because I went to church ever since I was born and my parents instilled Christian beliefs in me. There was nothing new in this tiny booklet that as a Pastor’s daughter, I did not already know and memorize. However, each word hit me with an unexpected force that changed my trajectory forever.
The words came to life before my eyes and I almost lost my balance at the power of what was washing over me. I got off the machine and prayed the Salvation Prayer that I had been taught in my youth, this time without anyone to guide me but the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t until this exact moment that I truly understood Salvation and what it would mean for the rest of my life. It wasn’t merely a repeated prayer coaxed by a Sunday School teacher anymore. It was an honest confession that I now understood and really believed that Jesus, God’s Son, died for me on the cross.
I was saved. I was transformed. I was made new.
Tears rolled down my cheeks as the previous weight of the world that I didn’t even know I carried lifted, and I felt a peace like I have never felt before. Because of this experience, I now know the difference between simply believing in God and truly knowing Him and living in His love.
As humans we have urges to know if God is real and hearts that are forever seeking answers. That is more than ok, that is a great start! Even a Pastor’s daughter like me went through a long period where faith seemed more like words and rules, silently seeking deeper conviction (like those kids who got saved at Church camp). Keep pressing.
I pray that as your heart inevitably continues to be unsettled with the ways of this world, your journey will lead you to an abundant life you have yet to experience through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:7
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.