THIS is MY story

Written by Alexis E.

Before attending affirmation class, I always believed in God. I went to Sunday School when I was younger, attended church, prayed to God, and went to youth group. I also attended Beauty Projects through my Aunt April’s “Her Life Speaks” Ministry, and went to Christian Camp every summer. I knew that God was present in my life, but I didn’t actually know how to have God WITH me during my life.

Everyone goes through ups and downs in their lives. Whenever something good or bad would happen to me, I would just wonder what God’s purpose was it for. I desired a strong relationship with God and wanted Him to speak to me directly, so I would include that in my prayers.

I used to hear stories where people had heard God talk to them personally, or felt a dramatic change in their life once they accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. I wanted a story to share with people. I was once asked if I wanted to write my testimony and share it on this website. Of course I wanted to, so one night I sat down and wrote up some events that had occurred in my life. I stared at it, and realized there really wasn’t anything major I could share with others. I hadn’t gone through a struggle I thought I needed to in order to have a story.

Then one day my parents told me our church pastor was starting affirmation class. I was really excited because I thought that this was finally my opportunity to grow in my faith. And honestly, it was. During those months I felt my relationship with God change as I learned the answers to my unanswered questions and learned how to defend what I believe. I am here today affirming my faith because I truly believe that Jesus Christ died for me and my sins, and I accept Him as my Savior.

“For we live by faith and not by sight”   2 Corinthians 5:7

First, I now talk to God like He is my friend. I tell God everything on my mind because I know He is listening to me, and wants to be involved in my life. I learned not to block God out when I am struggling, but to invite Him in, to let Him feel it with me.

“I have called you friend” Jesus   John 15:15

Second, I now know how to backup what I am saying in a conversation about God. In school, it is hard to find Christian friends. I am faced with the challenge of being excluded by peers because of what I believe.

I used to be scared to speak up about it because I wasn’t sure if I was saying the right things. I realize now that it isn’t about getting embarrassed if you don’t know something because no one has all of the answers. It is about saving someone’s soul for eternity, which is most important. I can now use this to defend my faith and share it with others if the topic of Christ is brought up.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”  1 Peter 3:15

Lastly, I know there is only one way to get to heaven. You don’t go to heaven by simply doing good works. You can still be a good person, but there is more to it. You have to accept Jesus Christ as your savior and believe that he died for your sins.

Overall, after attending these affirmation classes, I realize that this is my testimony. My story is MY story. I grew up in a Christian household, and found a way to grow in my faith, and truly believe what I have been taught. I feel like I have the real relationship with God I always longed-for. Affirmation class was an answer to those prayers. So, thank you God for always watching over me. Thank you, Jesus for dying for me so I can be saved, and go to Heaven.

How about you? What’s your story? Did you always believe in God? Are you still trying to find some answers? Or did you have a dramatic experience that started your faith?
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Alexis is a frequent attendee of Her Life Speaks Beauty Projects for teen girls. Interested in joining and meeting other Christian girls? Sign up here for the next one on February 9, 2019! https://www.herlifespeaks.org/events.html

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