When I was a child, I would occasionally go to church and learn about God. I was exposed to God but was still largely surrounded by nonbelievers and did not truly seek him. I would sometimes pray when I was anxious about something, but I treated it more like a good luck charm. Thus my relationship with Him did not really grow. I often doubted if He was truly there. After my good friend got leukemia, I started to seek God and understand His word. Seeing how my friend’s faith made her strong through that difficult time opened up my horizons and allowed me to see how powerful Christianity can be. My friend and others encouraged me to develop a closer relationship with God. I attended small groups and went to church more. This devotion became more frequent especially after I had to grow up and become more independent. Being more independent was sometimes frightening and propelled me to seek God more; He made me understand that I can still be dependent and weak and rely on Him. I also liked to have control, and it was especially in situations where I didn’t have control that I also relied on Him and truly believed that He is real. Believing in God helped me witness blessings and miracles that were indicators of God’s work. For instance, my friend was healed and is mentally and physically strong enough to work abroad. God also helped me recover from a sickness and an injury and provided calmness when I decided to change career paths. During these difficult times, I initially would feel anxious but praying and seeking him helped remove my worries. As Philippians 4:6-7 says, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. I know that I will experience difficulties along the way, but as a Christian, I will have a constant guide and provider. God’s love is great, it is wonderful how much He can love a sinner and imperfect person such as myself and that Jesus died on the cross for us sinners. I will continue to trust in God and learn to love Him and love others. In the future I hope to inspire others to believe in God, whether it be through His love or through God’s gifts and blessings. God has been patient throughout my life, I am blessed to be where I am today.
By
Juliana Jing
2017/10/29