I grew up in church, but I wasn't saved by Grace. I knew "Christianese", but I wasn't a Christian. It wasn't until I was 19. As a teen, I was so eager to hit the ground running, in an effort to launch my Acting career. I was restless when I was at Acting Conservatory (AMDA) in NYC. I didn't have patience with my studies and I had thoughts of dropping out. My mom encouraged me to keep going and to see it through. After graduating in 2011, it seemed like the chips were stacked against me. My uncle passed away, I was auditioning for plays but the one that I booked was a crap show that didn't pay, and someone that should've been supportive turned their back on me. These series of events lead me to my knees. I was going to church while I was studying, but I wasn't learning anything about GOD'S Word. I just went as a safe place to stay connected to GOD. I was afraid of getting caught up in the fast pace scene of New York City (hooking up/hanging with the wrong people) and I didn't want to lose sight of GOD. I asked JESUS to help me because I knew from going to church all my life that He was able to do anything. I had no idea that that prayer would lead me on this journey with Him! He has transformed me into the woman that I need to be instead of the one that I thought I wanted to be. I won't go into detail with my relationship with JESUS, but I have my own personal experience with Him. He has shown up for me and proven the reality of His existence to me. His Word is real and is evident in my life! I can't deny the magnitude of that because of someone's disbelief. If you're humble enough in your approach toward GOD then He will speak to you and show you that He is who He says He is.
There are things that I have done that I earnestly regret and wish I could undo them, but that is the power of GOD'S Grace who is JESUS. JESUS' blood, that He shed for humanity, cleanses us of our sins when we repent and ask for His forgiveness. After this, GOD holds no record of our wrong doing. He forgets ours sins because JESUS then becomes our sacrifice. He paid the debt that we would've paid if we didn't believe in Him and what He did for us. That's why this is a major deal: JESUS died for every human being so that they wouldn't have to suffer in hell forever. When you have eyes to truly see that, you're so succumb with emotion. GOD made away before we even committed our sins (John 3:16, John 17, KJV).
GOD gave up JESUS and JESUS died for us all because of #love! Their love for us surpasses that of any parent, spouse, child, sibling, and friend. JESUS sees us as worthy to died for. I look at some people (most people) and I wouldn't literally die for them! I'd die for my children, but not for a stranger, and especially not for one that mocks and ridicules me. BUT JESUS: He did.
He is my testimony. He is my story. He is my life and my friend! I gave my life to Him at 19 and that's when the testing of my Faith began. He has provided for me and worked things out for my good. People have wrongly judged me, accused me, abused me, and misunderstood me. There are times where I didn't "look" blessed, but JESUS has never left me so I must have been even though they couldn't properly discern it. JESUS is my inheritance and my portion. He is my cup that overflows (Psalm 23, KJV). My Faith in Him and my relationship with Him has kept me from becoming bitter. The whole point of your walk with JESUS is for Him to break you down to build you up to be more like Him. When I think about things that I have endured, HOLY SPIRIT, causes me to realize that JESUS went through a similar situation. JESUS endured greater persecution than I ever will or have already. He is our perfect High Priest who sympathizes with us yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15, KJV) . He is our example on how to live holy before GOD. I would never take back my time with Him.
I've hurt people, I've lied at times, I use to steal, cuss, and I have exposed myself to inappropriate things; nonetheless, JESUS, has saved me from it all. He has broken strongholds off of my life and continues to discipline me in His love and mercy. He sets a standard for us all and puts a demand on us. We are the called according to His purpose (those who love Him, believe in Him, and obey Him- Romans 8:28, Colossians 1:16 KJV).
I hope that my testimony has encouraged you and inspired you! Reflect upon your testimony and take the time to recall everything that JESUS has delivered you from. While writing this, I had to take a moment to praise Him! We can't lose sight of what He has done for us. Remember The Cross, remember The Empty Tomb, and remember that He is seated at the right hand of GOD our Father! Remember why you believe and why you're saved. GOD has so much more for His people.
Waiting on GOD is worth it, just as He saw that JESUS dying for humanity was worth it
(Psalm 27:14, KJV).
Check out these past posts on Faith to keep you uplifted, strengthened. Or if you aren't a Christian, but you want to discover more:
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/for-the-faithful
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/keep-going-getting-up-when-you-ve-fallen-short
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/~draw-near~
Sante
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