My testimony 10/11/15

Before I had Jesus in my life, I would have told you, in a very loud and defiant tone, that I didn't need any help with my life. I was a "good person" and felt that was all that was necessary to secure a place for myself in heaven, if such a place existed.

I had built up a pretty good defense system over the years, my main philosophy being the I would get you before you had a chance to get me. I had been an abused child and a victim of sexual abuse. I made my entry into adulthood angry, hostile and in a world of pain.

God works not only in mysterious ways but in some pretty funny ones, too. Who would ever think that selling cosmetics could put you on the road to salvation? I arrived at the mercy seat by way of Mary Kay Cosmetics, a company founded by an intensely Godly woman.

It is in looking back that I see God's hand in my life. I made horrific decisions that brought negative impacts to my life and to the lives of those around me. God allowed me to live through the years of anguish I had created but He kept me from irreversible harm. He brought just the right people into my life at just the right time, including a woman I met in college and who remains my close friend today. One of the greatest gifts I have ever received was that this friend never gave up on me and prayed for my salvation for 35 years.

It took me awhile to ask Christ to become the Lord of my life. I thought I could be in control and just have God stop by when I needed His help. After over a half century of wandering around in my personal wilderness, ten years longer than Moses and the Israelites took on their journey to the Promised Land, I finally got it that I needed God's help everyday. He gives me His peace ... everyday! I am blessed.

John 14:27, "My peace I leave with you: my peace I give you". I know whatever happens in my life, God is in control. He loves me, He cares for me and He will welcome me home when I die. He gives me His peace and the assurance of eternal life with Him. We will all have eternal life. It is just a question of where we will spend it. I will spend mine in Heaven with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.