I know many of you reading don't post directly on this blog. I have a request. I'm interested in reading individual stories about their relationship with God. What was the deciding factor or change that made you realize God exists? How has believing in God changed your life? You can be anonymous. I will be completely honored to read your personal journey and I'm sure many others will be too. Please take a moment to share, this is your chance! Thank you!
Thanks for asking, Carrie! I must say that my relationship with God is the very most important relationship in my life, undergirding and deeply woven into the heart of me. When I was a child I was very alone. I did not go to church, but I knew deeply that God loved me. Others told me I could not be a Christian as I did not go to church and that hurt me, but I continued knowing that God loved me. God's love was a great comfort. When I was in high school I went to Pioneer Pacific Camp on Thetis Island and met many Christians. They were loving and kind and embraced me and liked me more than anyone else I knew. I had lots of questions. How could I follow a God who allowed so much suffering? What about other religions? I actually have never come to clear answers about those questions, but I decided to jump into the pool of faith nevertheless. God caught me and I deep down knew of His love and care more and more. I know that God loves us all, but does not push Himself on people, so is standing there with open arms. I have had lots of doubts over the years, but deep in my heart have known God's love. I also have studied the Bible and Jesus' life. There is no denying historically that Jesus lived. Either he was who he said he was, God, or he was crazy. His behaviour did not seem like he was crazy. The reality of the historical Jesus has held me firm in my faith all these years, but it has been a mind and heart and soul journey. I still have lots of questions and have sometimes found some churches challenging to feel at home in... but I have persisted in finding a sincere community of people who love God and that has also helped me. I hold on to the things I know, like God loves us and also asks us to serve and care for others.. and then some of the challenging questions I have on the back burner to keep trying to understand. Meanwhile, God's love has really transformed my life and is a great joy. Even when life is very difficult, knowing God is there as a firm foundation and solid rock has been very wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI do feel it was God who opened the doors for our adoptions and lead us in that direction and has given us wisdom and strength to go forward. Interestingly, our children also had real experiences of God loving them in their hearts before they ever came to us. They had a deep sense of His care in the midst of their very challenging lives. When they came to our home it was like our love of God gave them words to explain the love they have felt all along. This walk of faith continues to be a journey of faith. Sometimes I still doubt and question and don't actually feel God's love, but still through the Bible and knowing His presence in the past I hang on. Faith is just that... believing in what we do not always see clearly! There are just so many wonderful stories of others walks with God too.
This is long... but I am smiling and just full of joy to be able to express my love for God and His foundation and security in my life! Love you Carrie!
Thankyou Anne, you're such a lovely inspiring woman. I posted this thread because I know everyone is searching for something. Regardless what religion it is, or if it's spiritual - people need something to believe. I think most people believe in a God, whatever that looks like - I personally think that's "Ok" too. I really don't know much on this topic except my search is on. I've always felt connected with something beyond this earth. I've always felt that my path was already outlined. I continually ask for strength & patience. My blog is designed for what I believe in, for what we experience and to advocate adoption. Right or wrong, I also believe I'm couragious to be out here expressing my thoughts. The only reason I still write, I believe I'm asked too. Whether it's coming from my own mind (being one of my passions)or I'm being directed by God - regardless, it's not only a release, it's sharing, caring and a form of education in hopes for everyone to be successful. I'm hoping more people will come forward and post. I also will state that it's also "Ok" to write about your own beliefs - I will write my journey later. Don't be afraid - the anonymous option is perfect for secrecy. :) We can only make a difference by sharing and that's coming from once a very shy secretive person!
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteIt is my greatest privilege to share with you what I have discovered in the Bible. I am a Christian, and would love to introduce you to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who has had such an impact on my life. Through reading the Bible I discovered that I am a sinner, and that I needed God’s forgiveness. I discovered that Jesus Christ died in my place to pay the penalty for my sin, and that He rose from the dead. I invited Jesus Christ to come into my life as my personal Saviour. He provides joy and peace in my life, and has given me assurance of eternal life in Heaven.
The main theme of the Bible is God’s love for you as an individual. This love was revealed through His Son Jesus Christ coming into the world and living among men, and His dying on the cross, and rising from the dead. Through Christ’s death, God offers you forgiveness for your sins, and through His resurrection He offers you the promise of everlasting life. God loves you and all of mankind. He wants to bless your life and make it full and complete. He offers you not only an abundant life here and now, but eternal life in Heaven..
We can all acknowledge that we are not sinless or perfect. God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die in our place and to pay the penalty for our sin . He offers us a free gift which is pardon for sin and provision of everlasting life!
Often we think that we must lead a “good” life and do charitable acts before God will love us. But God loves us even when we sin. He sent Christ to die in our place and to pay the penalty for your sin so that you can be reconciled to Him.
God graciously offers to you what you could never do for yourself. God’s gift to you is free. You do not, and cannot work for a gift. All you need to do is receive it. Believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ died for you to provide deliverance from your sins. When you receive Christ (when you accept what He has done for you) you will become a child of God. He will come into your life and bless you abundantly – more than you could ever ask or think!
Christ died and rose again for the whole world, but for you to become a Christian is an individual matter. The only way to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is to accept His offer of forgiveness and everlasting life.
The following Bible verses show God’s part and yours.
I would like to encourage you to read each of these verses in your Bible, and to believe them, for this is the Word of God:
John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God”.
Romans 6:23 says “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”
Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”.
Ephesians 2: 8, 9 says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”.
John 1:12 says “But as many as received Christ, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.
God bless, Carrie, as you consider these things. I pray that you will come to a full and wonderful understanding of God’s gift of salvation. I would love to have further dialogue with you on this subject anytime!!
PS
I have a little book that I would love to give you, and which I think you would find helpful.. It’s entitled “What the Bible Teaches”. If you would like, I will mail it to you.
Cindy Allen (your camping neighbor this summer, at Comox Lake).