Testimony of God's Grace

On February 5, 1996, I made the most important decision of my life. All the happiness and success I enjoyed could not fill a void I felt in my life. I had everything - family and friends I adored, a successful career, fond memories of an outstanding childhood, the desire to help and love others, etc., but I never felt complete. I knew that something was missing and that I had a purpose to fulfill. These feelings would inevitably trigger a “soul search”. I knew I could be a better person, if only I knew how. I figured if I went back to school to obtain my MBA, or if I could give more of myself to my family, friends, boyfriend, and career, the void would be filled. I began taking courses, worked 70-80 hours per week, acquired an additional part-time job, and spent more time with loved ones. Every attempt I made to change became yet another item on the list of unfulfilling resolutions. It was during this time in my life that religion became important to me.

I dove into this newfound hope headfirst! I found comfort in the fact that this was something totally different than all the other attempts to realize true contentment. I was comforted by the fact that religion never really interested me until now. I began to think that maybe I missed out on something when I was young. However, once again, my great plan fell short of its objective. I don’t deny my enthusiasm; however, I later realized that it was aimed at learning the “Catholic religion” rather than coming to know God. Even though I eventually made my confirmation into the Catholic faith, the love for God was not evidenced in my decisions or my life. No changes were brought about in my life because of this confirmation, and I returned to my old ways of thinking, acting, and responding. I started a new job, trying to find fulfillment in a higher salary. Suddenly, money became the source for fulfillment, but that too quickly faded.

I tried everything and concluded that I would need to live with this empty feeling for the rest of my life. It was during this time that my brother and sister-in-law were attending First Baptist Church of Troy. I thought it was a little fanatical to go to church three times a week. Based on this, I concluded that they had joined a cult, and it was my responsibility to rescue them from making a big mistake. At first, I didn’t attend faithfully and was surprised that people were so friendly and loving. I wanted to hate them for what they were doing to my family. As I continued to attend, I wanted to understand what they were teaching in Sunday school and church. I began to read the Bible for the first time. For the first time in my life, I had a desire for spiritual things!

Soon after, I was hit with a difficult reality. My ex-boyfriend committed suicide. I remember that I was devastated by the news, but I was more desperate to know whether he went to Heaven or Hell. With everything I had been learning at church, I knew that he went to one of two places. It was important for me to find out where he went to make sense of where I was going. It was during this time that I started to fear my own eternal destination but didn’t quite understand how I could change course. It was two months later when the Lord gave me complete understanding, and I was able to accept him as my Lord and Savior.

My salvation has nothing to do with “my goodness”, but everything to do with God’s mercy, grace, and His very generous gift. Anything good that you see in my life is all due to the work that the Lord has done in my life over the past 30 years. I have never regretted my decision, and I try to live my life for His honor and glory.

When I chose to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Savior, I understood:

1. God’s purpose is for us to honor and serve Him.

   
   

2. Mankind’s problem is sin.  Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

   
   

3. Sin’s penalty is death (physical, spiritual, and eternal).  Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

   
   

4. How can we have eternal life?  Ephesians 2:8-9  “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

   
   

5. Christ died for our sins on the cross as our perfect and sinless substitute.  Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

   
   

6. Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  We must turn from our sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone as the ONLY HOPE of eternal life!