Category: My Testimony

My Testimony – How a Place of Death Led to New Life in Christ

The cemetary went on and on.  I couldn’t take my eyes off it as my sister and I drove by all those tombstones on our way to Grandpa and Grandma’s house.  All those people died. A few minutes earlier I had waved a tearful good-bye to my parents at the airport.  Alarmed to see them leave for vacation, the grip of fear ruled my heart.  Old stones with words on them made things scarier.  Susan, seeing my despair, tried to comfort me.  “Sara, the worst thing that could happen is that they would die.  But, then they would go to be with God.”  Well, that didn’t sound too bad.  Of course I would miss them terribly, but I knew they would be safe and happy.

 

 

My mind was busy.  I could die . . . like those people died. Will I go to heaven to be with God, like Mom and Dad?

As the evening wore on, I felt worse and worse as God’s Holy Spirit graciously convicted me of sin.  I thought about verses my sister had shared with me:

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

 

 
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23


“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  I John 1:9


“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23


“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”  I John 5:12-13

 

Even though I was very young child, I knew this was a very important decision.  I could no longer resist His offer of grace and forgiveness.  It were as though Jesus stood before me with arms open wide, waiting to give me a BIG hug (and hold on tight forever).

In Grandma’s bedroom, I tearfully admitted my sin and need for Him. I told Him I believed Jesus is God and that He gave His life for me, paying for my sin.  I believed in Him and wanted to follow Him the rest of my life. Suddenly, like rain in the desert, a refreshing peace washed over me.  I was no longer a slave of Satan, sin and myself.  God had brought me from death to life: I had become His child!  A new creation.

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 

 

Clear as a cloudless blue sky I remember that day so many years ago.  Less than two months before my fourth birthday, the seeds of truth faithfully planted at home and church were taking root.  Being born into a Christian family didn’t make me a Christian.  God gave me the opportunity to hear and choose.  God gave me the gift of life, and He wants to give you the same gift!  Are you going to let the seeds God is planting bloom in your life?

Are you are a believer, but lately you have been taking God for granted? It’s an easy thing to do!  Let’s stop for a moment right now and remember all God has done for us.  If you have any questions about what God has done for you and how you can know Him better, I’d love to talk with you!  saraleighanne@juno.com
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Why "Women On God’s Mission"?

All women are on a mission.  Whether we like it or not, we have a huge impact on everyone around us.  Starting at home and reaching out into our communities, God can use us in tremendous ways.  So, let’s get into the Word and then get up out of the church pew, ready to make a difference in someone’s life today. 
This ministry springs up with prayerful humility and anticipation, because I believe it’s what God wants me to do.  It is not that I think I have any remarkable new insight nor any flashy talent to entertain.  God has placed you and me here for a special purpose, modern day Esthers “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).  Are we wisely investing our energies and talents to make a difference for God’s glory?

I have to write.  No, my husband isn’t requiring this of me, nor is it a prerequisite to serving in our local church.  Simply, if I don’t write, after a short while I start getting jumpy and grumpy; after I write, well, I feel energized, peaceful, joyful.  That in itself is lame reasoning; but, the more I stifle my urge to write, the more I realize this isn’t a fabricated fancy.  Therefore, writing must be something God has given to me to use for His glory, here and now, not waiting on the shelf until I have more time.

The best thing I can do is to point you to Jesus.  He will never fail you.  He loves you so much that He gave His only Son to die in your place.  What do you think about Jesus?  What is your life saying to others about what you think about God?

We as women have incredible power on those around us.  Just as Paul in his mission for God, we can be used of God to turn our world upside down:

“‘These who have turned the world upside down have come here too … saying there is another king—Jesus.'”  Acts 17:6b

Even if I am the only one impacted by my cyberspace scribbles, I know that this is something I must pursue.  And if anyone else happens to be uplifted or challenged, I will be overjoyed, because I’ll know God used me.  What a privilege to be a woman on God’s mission!

by Categories: God Appointments, My Testimony 1 Comment