Testimony Time :: Rachel

I was born into a Christian family, for which I am extremely grateful! How blessed am I to have been born into my wonderful family…and having my parents emphasis the importance of following Jesus and obeying His Word is something that will impact the rest of my days. 
From a young age, my parents have taught me about Jesus and the Gospel.  As far back as I can remember, I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. I remember praying with Daddy on several occasions, but never really feeling any different or freed. 

The Lord kept working in my life, convicting me. Then, in January of 2006, at the age of 8…one evening I was getting ready for bed. I reached out and grabbed my Bible, and started reading in John. After I had read a while, I came to a verse. I don’t remember what it was, but it moved me and a thought popped into my head: “If I died tonight, where would I be?” I knew in my heart that I would be in hell. I started to cry and my Mother came into my room to say goodnight. She asked me what was the matter, and I told her I wanted to ask Jesus to save me. She went and got Daddy and he showed me some verses, and asked if I was ready…and I said, “Yes!” We knelt and I asked the Lord to cleanse me and to give me a new heart. I still remember how I felt…so clean! Praise the Lord!

I did not get baptized immediately because Daddy wanted me to wait until I understood what it all meant. In 2009, I was baptized, and that was such a blessing. 

I am so grateful that the Lord is a merciful and gracious God, one who is slow to anger and forgives men of the evil they have done. I have failed in so many ways, and struggled through many things, but He is patient and kind and is still working on my life! I have learned that salvation is not a “say-a-prayer-and-you’re-done” matter, but a continual walking with the Lord, seeking HIM, dying to self, and so much more. I could keep sharing on different things the Lord has worked in my life, forming a more perfect salvation in my life, but I will just leave it at the beginning of my journey. Please pray for me! 

This hymn is a favorite of mine, and I think it sums my testimony up really well. :) May the Lord bless you!

My faith has found a resting place,
  Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One,
  His wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
  This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
  He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word,
  The written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name,
  Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick,
  The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
  For me His life He gave.

I need no other argument,
  I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
    And that He died for me.
             -Eliza E. Hewitt

~*~*~*~

I would love to post YOUR testimony at some point in the future...if you're interested in sharing, please comment! ~Rachel