My personal testimony

Before I started a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, I often felt insecure. I had low self-esteem, and I was easily offended and angered. I believed in God intellectually, but I didn't have a relationship with Him. My heart wasn't connected to Him. I felt I was in control of my life, even though I had some serious issues going on that were causing a lot of stress.

Then I went through a very difficult time in my life, with a lot of turmoil and stress in my marriage, and realized that I no longer had control of my situation, that I could no longer fix what was broken. I could not control what other people did and suddenly, my life was in complete chaos. Everything was turned upside down.

Then I started praying and seeking God. I needed His guidance and so I reached out to Him. I was going through problems that neither friends nor family could fix. I started going to church and that's when realized just how little I knew about God and who He was.

Now I know that I don't control everything around me, nor do I have complete control over my life, but I am much more peaceful now, knowing that God loves me unconditionally, that I was worth a Son to Him, and that He has a plan for me. This is why my life verse has become Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

As I look back on the various events that led up to my out-of-control situation, and how my life has unfolded since that time, I see His plan in the details, and I have learnt to trust Him, which has led to a greater peace for me. I've also become more humble and compassionate toward others. I am so grateful for His mercy and His grace.

More importantly, I know without a doubt that God loves each and every one one of us in a way we can barely comprehend, so much so that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross, that we could be reconciled with Him. Before my relationship with Christ, I thought I was a pretty good person. I certainly didn't think I was a bad person. But I really didn't recognize how serious my separation from God was to my eternal future. I didn't see my own arrogance in trying to live my way, thinking I was good enough for a perfect God. If I were to die today, I have complete assurance that I would have eternal life and would be in Heaven the moment I took my last breath. Because I accepted God's free gift of forgiveness, I can live at peace, knowing He is in control and loves me.