This is my story: Marilyn Downs

I grew up in a Christian home and was in church every time the doors were open. I can't remember a time that I didn't know who God was. I knew that Jesus loved me. When I was eight years old I walked the aisle with my friends during a revival and said I wanted to be saved. I must have answered the preacher's questions correctly because I was baptized with my buddies. However, on a cold winter's Sunday night when I was thirteen, I told my teacher that I wasn't saved and that I knew I was a lost sinner who needed Jesus to be my savior. I knew at that time Jesus died for me and paid gor my sins. Life changed at that moment and I would go to Heaven.

Becoming a Christian at a young age, I didn't have a lot of sins to repent of, but I always had a smart mouth on me and a snarky answer to any question or comment aimed toward me. I knew it was sinful and I knew that it wasn't the way to behave and it affected my daily walk with Jesus. Words and comments had the power to help or hurt other people and I learned that kindness and listening instead of mouthing off at every opportunity made an impact for the kingdom. Following in Jesus's footsteps meant doing His will instead of my own. Following Him meant staying away from friends, even at church, who were going down the wrong path and not living a life pleasing to God. By His grace, I was able to do that and surround myself with fellow Christians who sharpened and encouraged me.

Jesus saved from my sin at 13 and became my Savior and Master. I know beyond any doubt that I am in God's hand and nothing can snatch me out of it. No matter how much I fail Him, God has never failed me or left me alone. Ever. I have complete assurance that I am His for eternity and when I die I will go to Heaven. When God asks me why I deserve to be in Heaven, I will answer that I accepted Jesus as my savior and master.