Life changed for me when I was only eight years old. Old enough to realize I didn’t know everything–anything, really. But I knew enough to say yes to someone who would change my life forever.
How My Life Changed
It all started in the home of a preacher’s family, where my parents took me to church from the time I belted my first cry. In a Vacation Bible School one year, my father shared a fascinating visual I would later use across the ocean to explain the day that changed my life.
My dad took a simple white cloth to represent the purity of man/woman when God created us. He dipped that cloth into what appeared to be water, and the fabric turned black, symbolizing the blackness of sin. That pattern of selfish behavior and disobedience, first begun by Adam and Eve, continued to our day. He used Romans 3:23 to document that truth.
That was the bad news.
Good News
But the good news followed.
Then my father plunged the cloth into another jar of water, and it turned red, picturing the blood of Jesus, who took our sin upon Himself and washed away the blackness of that sin from our lives through His crucifixion death. My dad explained how God’s gift of Jesus was a gift to everyone in the entire world who would believe in Him–who would place their faith in Jesus–resulting in eternal life. Heaven, in other words (Romans 6:23, John 3:16). Forever with Jesus.
We couldn’t earn the gift. It’s not something we could buy. We received it by saying yes. “Yes, I trust in You, Jesus. I need–and receive–your forgiveness. Yes, I believe you died for me, and I give my life to you forever” (Ephesians 2:8-9)!
And then my dad dipped the now red fabric into the water one more time. Can you guess what happened? The cloth turned white and pure again–like brand new. A picture of what happens when Jesus’ love and forgiveness flood our lives and washes us clean (2 Corinthians 5:17). Forgiven. Completely. Our death sentence was canceled. Life changed forever.
Greatest Love Story Ever Told
A simple picture of the greatest love story ever told–and an explanation I could understand. No bright lights. No angel appearing. No vivid dreams.
But that year in VBS I said “Yes” to Jesus. And my life changed forever.
What Jesus Is to Me
Not too dramatic. But real to me. Has my life been perfect since then? Hardly. We all have those “other” testimonies we can share–the not too fun times even as believers when we made bad choices or forgot who and whose we were for a season. But we can also share those stories of God’s grace and goodness–those spiritual markers in our lives–that made us who we are today. And decades later, I can testify Jesus is exactly who He says He is. And He’s done exactly what He said He would do. He is, above all, faithful, even when I am not. But His unconditional love and grace make me want to be faithful.
In troubled times, He’s my Refuge. When I doubt, He’s my Reassurance. In times of drought, He’s my Living Water. When I’m lonely, He’s my Faithful Companion. In weakness, He’s my Strength. When I’m sad, He’s my Joy. How long do you have? I could talk about Jesus all day.
He is the Name above all Names.
No matter how simple or dramatic your story (testimony) is, it’s yours. Alone. Unique. And I’d love to hear it.
How Your Life Can Change Too
Ask Jesus to forgive you of every sin. Confess your belief in Him as Jesus, your Savior, and God’s Son. Accept His death as the penalty for your sin and invite Him to come into your heart and take control of your life. Tell Him of your desire to repent (turn around) and live your life with new purpose and direction. By faith in Him through His grace and nothing you can do on your own, He will make you His child (John 1:12). He will change your life, no matter what age you are.
*You might also want to check out this post I wrote: Six Truths about God that Can Change Your Life.
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord Jesus, I thank you that my life changed the day I asked You to come into my heart and take control of my life. You have been changing it ever since, and I am so grateful for Your faithfulness. In good times and in hard times You have walked with me, leading me, guiding me, and loving me. I pray today for the one who desperately needs his/her life changed. Lord, pursue those with Your grace and love and allow Your Holy Spirit to draw them into Your presence. I pray for those who are lost and for those who know You but who have simply lost their way. May they find You today so their lives can change too. May they find joy, hope, forgiveness, and grace in the name of Jesus.
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
Encourage Your Fellow Believers
Persecution around the world is spreading like cancer. Fellow brothers and sisters are losing their lives because they refuse to turn from the One who has changed their lives: Jesus. The One who will never turn His back on them (John 10:28-29). Because physical death is not the end. It’s only the beginning of Life–and Heaven, our real home.
It’s Your Turn
What about you? How did you come to know Jesus personally? How has God changed your life? Would you share your story with someone and offer the breath of heaven to someone for the first time? It might result in a life changed forever. You can always write me through my contact page and fill out the basic name and address info; then the email will come to me. Your name or info will never be shared with anyone without your permission.
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