It is encouraging to witness the Lord work in people’s lives uniquely and purposefully. He has certainly moved in mine in the least expected and humbling ways…
1. Life before knowing Jesus
I first heard the Gospel in secondary school. Being a freethinker in a non-Christian family, I just saw it as “another religion.” Now I was hit with an identity crisis in those teenage years. Many of my peers were exceptionally good at something like academics/sports and were known for their skills. I was considered just average at everything I did, which made me feel frustrated at myself. Especially living in a culture that glorified material excellence, there was a lot of pressure to live up to expectations. I was concerned about chasing grades, glory, and making people happy… but never was I fully satisfied with myself.
2. Salvation
The message of salvation finally stirred my heart when it was shared in a youth camp one day. I contemplated in awe: Who was this Jesus that despite doing nothing wrong, still chose to die and save us from sin?
I decided to pray during a time of worship in the camp, not knowing what to expect. What I did know- I was tired and hopeless trying to please others and myself. So I gave it a shot and submitted my worries to the Lord. Suddenly, tears started to roll down my cheeks uncontrollably. I didn’t know what was going on, but this overwhelming feeling of freedom washed over me.
For the first time ever, I experienced God’s insurmountable love. A love that made me feel sufficient. I knew I was redeemed not by the standards of society, not by my own doing, but through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
3. Salvation. Again?
After accepting Christ in that camp, I was on fire for Him. I served in the school worship team and studied the Bible every day, but unfortunately that desire and obedience didn’t last long. As I grew older and moved on to less ‘sheltered’ college and university, I became like a seed growing among thorns (Matthew 13:18-23) choked by academic stress, worries about the future, and poor mental health. I coped by giving into sinful temptation which brought instant but short-lived satisfaction. It was a vicious and dark cycle. I stopped engaging with God and was convinced that He had given up on me in disgust at the way I was living. But little did I know…
God was about to crush those lies.
In university, some Christian friends encouraged me to get involved with the church community. I was hesitant to go initially because I had drifted so far. But by God’s grace He gradually softened my heart, brought me out from a bad mental state, and restored my desire to experience Him more. In recent months, the Lord has also given me courage to declare my faith to my family after years of hiding in fear of being judged. Praise God indeed that they have been accepting of this and my decision to get baptised too!
My dear brothers and sisters, we can delight in the fact that God uses trials to strengthen us and refine our faith. I pray that when you stumble, seek the Lord, and let Him reveal himself to you, for He cares for you deeply and will never abandon His purpose in your life.
John 8:34-36
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.