My faith journey began as a child. For as long as I can remember, my faith has been a part of my life. Our family attended church every weekend and on special days. It wasn’t my favorite thing to do as a child, but church back then was the beginning of my faith.
My mom, my three brothers, and I, knelt around one of our beds each night at bedtime to pray together. Our prayers were memorized words. Words I barely understood. But, that was the beginning of my prayer life. Mom modeled to me the importance of prayer. Today my prayers are more of a conversation with God, and I enjoy and rely on this part of my faith life.
Sadly, I put God on the back burner when I moved out of my parents’ home as a young adult. I seemed to only pray when I needed something. This, too, was a part of my faith journey as I didn’t think I needed God in my life.
At 22 years old, I found my life full of confusion and uncertainty.
Over the phone one evening with my best friend, Tina, and her mom, Barb, I made the most important decision of my life. I let go of all my striving and so-called control, and gave my life to Jesus. I invited Him to take up residency in my heart, and to take control of my messy life. Barb said that night, “You’ll find you have a joy in your heart that will never leave.” She was right. It’s still there.
Within the very next week, I fell in love with my future husband. We were engaged three months later and married the following year. As we started a family, God grew our faith as we put Him in the center.
Bible Study Fellowship became a part of my life when I was expecting our now 26-year-old. Through it I began reading the Bible, something I had never done before. Slowly I began to learn and study the Bible, which is something I never thought I could do. Through reading God’s Words, it was then I fell in love with Jesus.
Both of our children grew up in BSF, they invited Jesus into their lives at young ages, and still have those deep roots of truth planted in their hearts today. I still study God’s Word through BSF… 23 years later!
Today, Jesus is the center of my faith journey, my life, of our marriage, and of our family.
Life isn’t perfect over here, but life with Jesus is the greatest adventure I’ve ever experienced. Having Him in the center gives me assurance that everything is going to be okay, no matter what. When this life is over, I trust I’ll see His face welcoming me into eternity.
If you have a faith story and would like to share it, I’d be honored.
Blessings!
