I decided to follow Jesus Christ when I was very young. I knew I was a sinner who could never reach heaven without God.  Romans 3:23 states a universal truth, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” My life was filled with evil; I was the top priority, and no one else mattered. However, my Dad had discussed with me that God is love and how this is demonstrated through the Person of Jesus Christ.  John 3:16 joyfully proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This opened my eyes. My God loved me so much that He would give His only Son as a sacrifice in order to save me, a guilty sinner under the curse of the law. Christ’s sacrifice showed me the everlasting love of God, and I craved that unconditional love.

As a result, when I was around nine years old, I asked my mom how I could become a Christian. She responded with the simplicity of good news. All I had to do was confess my sins and take by faith Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Therefore, I obeyed Romans 10:13: I confessed my sins on a small gray chair while sitting on my mother’s lap in her room.  I became a new creature in Christ; my heart was made white as snow. When I gave my life to Jesus, my life changed. No longer was I looking out for myself only, no longer was I a part of this world, and no longer was I in the devil’s grasp, but now I lay safe in the everlasting arms of my Father.

Since I chose Jesus, my life needed to change. As the years went by, I would struggle with my sins expressed through selfish desires. One sin prolific in my life was complaining.  I constantly whined over my circumstances as either being boring or tiring. So I cry out to God, and through a sanctifying process of His Spirit my complaining is decreasing.

When I was in junior high, I really struggled with wanting to be popular or having a boyfriend. However, with God’s help I was able to accept who I was and realize God had the perfect guy for me.  My desire is to be patient and wait upon God. In high school, my views were challenged because of the sheer numbers of people who doubt my Christian worldview. In addition, I struggled with having assurance of my salvation. God, His Holy Word, and the counsel of my parents have helped me overcome. Currently, I am praying for guidance on which college I should attend and what should be my major. My future is not clear, but I know that with God on my side I can do anything. I will trust in His Word.  Philippians 4:13 sums up my hope, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”