Before Jesus Changed My Life
Before I truly knew Jesus, I was constantly seeking others' approval. As a “people pleaser” I was often concerned about what others were thinking when it came to many aspects of my life. As I grew closer to Jesus, I realized the sin in this attitude and posture. Certainly, it’s important to respect and support others, but ultimately God's will is what I should direct my concerns toward. Another aspect that has changed in my life is not having so much hope in planning for the future. I have gained the ability to focus on the gifts of today, have become less reactive, and better understand that we are given tomorrow by the grace of God.
How Jesus Changed My Life
I can more clearly see the challenges laid before me as God's preparation rather than “a problem”. I have been poured into by God's people and have felt the Holy Spirit at work during several life events where God was clearly preparing my soul. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” This is an example of the growth that comes with time in knowing Jesus and relying on what we can’t see because we know His promises. I don’t know that I can clearly say a day or time that I have been changed, but I have felt God's hand over my life in a powerful way this past year, navigating parenting, marriage, family illness, death, and needs in so many directions. I believe that Jesus saved me from my sin. He died for me to have new life, and now I get to give all the glory to Him. I’ve spent more time in prayer asking for God to continue to steer me down that path that is His will, and I feel that baptism is the next step in submitting to His will. I also feel that baptism at this time in my life is also a demonstration to many that have been in my prayers — what a life with Jesus can look like. I hope that my obedience is something that could cause a stir in others' hearts to have interest in knowing Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
My Life After Jesus Saved Me
My life with Jesus has made me more patient and less reactive to the world. I have hope in something bigger and greater. I no longer get rattled by the day-to-day “worries” or “problems” and instead have a hopeful outlook that God's got this. I go to prayer when I feel out of control in a situation, and I am quickly humbled by the realization that this too will pass, and I trust God's plan and will (for better or worse). I can also now see my challenges as more opportunities. I have better guards up in life to prevent myself from getting overwhelmed by things of the world. Truth vs lies. I also find so much hope in our connection group that continues to pour scripture and God's grace into me when in need.