A few weeks ago I discussed the topic of balance and how many of us work towards creating balance in our lives. I mentioned the areas of Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual health that some of us strive for balance in. I also stated that I would be sharing in a future post about how my relationship with God grew in a major way a few years ago.
Today, I will be sharing with you something very intimate and personal about myself...My Faith. This is a post that may upset some people or just lose attention from others from the get go. That is completely okay. We have the freedom to view or not view whatever we want when it comes to social media. I am prepared for negative feedback. However, I will say that if you are drawn to reading this because of the content, then that means something. I share a piece of my testimony with a humble and ever growing heart. I have very few answers in life and have so much to learn. Why do I feel the need to share my story with you? Here are the reasons why…
- I want everyone to experience the peace, love, and joy that comes with the decision of following Christ.
- It is my Christian duty.
Why was I afraid to share my testimony before? If you've ever read a story about God, Angels, Christianity, etc. on Yahoo news and read the comments on it from the public, you'll see what I mean. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but some people can be brutal and hurtful on social media. To me (and I could be completely wrong), it seems like Christianity is targeted more than any other religion. Just watch South Park, R-Rated Movies, or even pay attention to our every day explicit language and you'll notice the hatred, mockery, and rejection of the Holy Trinity.
Before I share about my life changing experience, I want to briefly talk about my faith up until that point. I was brought up Baptist and attended the same church for the first 18+ years of my life. It was important to my parents that we attended church together as a family and believed in God. Nothing was ever forced on us and I am thankful for that. Between the age of 18-25, my church attendance dramatically decreased and became less of a priority. God and I weren't close and it was because of me. However, I do recall getting emotional on the rare occasion that I would talk out loud about God. It was like there was a little flame in my heart with the potential to burn out or become ignited.
Over three years ago I watched an episode of a popular talk show with a special guest. The guest, Dr. Mary C. Neal, shared her account of her kayak accident and what took place while she was pinned underwater for close to 30 minutes. Dr. Neal talked with the host in incredible details about her trip to heaven where she experienced God’s peace, joy, and angels. Then, she shared about her return back to life. I had heard about her story prior to this interview, but once I watched her speak about it my skeptical nature cleared. There was something about the way she described heaven and the angels she met. I could sense that she was speaking from her heart. This interview with the host peaked my interest so much that I decided to get her book “To Heaven and Back.”
That same year for Christmas I got this book as a gift from my husband. It was even more fascinating than I had imagined. I initially read it because of simply how incredible the story was, not thinking it would restore my faith!
One night while reading this book, I experienced something that I will never forget. I couldn't tell you exactly what page or chapter I was reading, but I can tell you what I felt in my room that night. Something in her story ignited my faith like a struck match. I remember looking up from the book and then around the room. All of a sudden, I realized I was not alone. I felt a presence, almost as if there was an intruder. That wasn't the case. I realized that the Holy Spirit had permeated himself in that room. I felt it. My heart was racing. I was afraid at first, but then I thought OR God spoke to me through my thoughts with the words "Do not be afraid for I am with you." I sat there in my room quietly for some time before continuing to read. I remember walking into the kitchen feeling that same presence.
I shared with my husband and a few other people about what I encountered that night. I was very excited and motivated to learn more, worship more, and serve Him more. Shortly after reading the book, I started my first bible study at church and began attending church with a much different perspective. My relationship with Him was restored, but it was because I sought and accepted Him.
Scripture speaks quite a bit about seeking God. Why? He wants that relationship with all of us. I think of it as a Father/Daughter or Father/Son relationship, but on a much more intimate & closer level. It is difficult to comprehend how MUCH God loves us, but boy does he! In Jeremiah 31:3, the Lord says "I have loved you with an everlasting love."
Scripture speaks quite a bit about seeking God. Why? He wants that relationship with all of us. I think of it as a Father/Daughter or Father/Son relationship, but on a much more intimate & closer level. It is difficult to comprehend how MUCH God loves us, but boy does he! In Jeremiah 31:3, the Lord says "I have loved you with an everlasting love."
If you are searching and seeking growth in your spiritual life and are feeling lost, confused, or disconnected like I have been, you can Help Yourself by simply following your heart. Break down those walls and open your heart to Him. He loves you more than you can imagine.
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