Before Jesus Changed My Life

Growing up, I had witnessed many people who found Christ, and it was always so intriguing to me. However, I never really felt like I could believe in a higher power. So, as I came into college, I continued going out and drinking fairly consistently, putting me in a very poor mental state. I felt that the only way for me to have fun in college was to do things that everyone else was doing. I got very caught up in assimilation and just doing things because I wanted to "experience" college. After spending so many nights, weeks, and weekends repeating this cycle, I still felt unfulfilled.

How Jesus Changed My Life

I went to service this winter on a Sunday morning, hungover after going out the night before. Through the message and worship, I felt pure conviction. The best way to describe the feeling was an overwhelming clarity of the way I was living my life. I had a realization that I was in a terrible place and how far away I was from being the person God wanted me to be. In that moment, I knew what I needed, and I knew there was only one answer. Romans 12:2 has been a verse that has really stuck out to me recently. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

My Life After Jesus Saved Me

The things I want, value, and look for have all changed. The lens through which I view life is completely different. My hope is found in the love and security I am able to feel through reading my bible, praying, and being in community. Knowing that the hard situations in my life aren't in my control has brought me so much peace. (Matthew 6:34) When I feel like I'm drowning, I'm able to re-center and know that it is by God's will, and I don't need to worry about something that God has completely under control. John 14:27 has given me peace and strength in hardship to help sanctify me recently. I can have faith in eternal life through Jesus, due to my own personal relationship with Him who has shown up for me and fulfilled me in ways I couldn't have imagined beforehand.