My Seeking Journey… Continued
I have a strong feeling that I need to finish the story for you, the story of how I found what I was seeking at age 15. I felt like many teenagers do: that I did not fit in. While I was a good student, I felt inferior around others at my school. In that small town where everyone seemed to know everyone, I hadn’t grown up there, and I had only a couple of friends. We were poor, not well dressed, and frankly, there were troubles happening at home.
We had a new band teacher that year, and word got around that he was planning to have a Bible study for some of the kids at the home of a girl a year younger than me. Do you get the picture that I was not the kind of person to invite myself to something? Yet, my heart warmed within me. I felt drawn to be there. That gave me the bravery to ask if I could come.
There were several of us there that night. The teacher played some songs on the guitar, then gave a simple talk. He explained how God loves us and how we could not fully feel that love until we acknowledged our sin and allowed Him to forgive us. I thought I was a good person until then, but as he spoke, I became aware I was a sinner. I was ashamed of my sin, and I began to weep as he led us in a prayer asking for forgiveness. We sang a few more songs, and I, along with others, shared that “something happened!” I had felt God forgive me. I continued to weep, tears of deep emotion and relief, all the way home. I told my parents what happened. They thought it was nice.
The next day, I wondered if what had happened was real. When I went to school and saw the teacher, he smiled at me. It felt real. He remembered me! Throughout the day, as I saw people, I saw them with different eyes, God’s eyes. I really saw them for the first time, and I felt love for them.
In the weeks and months that followed, we continued to meet and study the Bible. I learned many Bible verses that formed the foundation of my faith. That was many years ago, but I can say without a doubt that what God did for me that day has impacted every moment of my life since.
I hadn’t been aware of how much I needed Him, but I am so thankful that He drew me to Him so He could show me. Your story might not look just like mine. We’re here to walk with you on YOUR journey to experiencing God. It’s worth the trip!
~~ SHARI
- Some of the Bible passages that helped me:
- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
- I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
- All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. Romans 3:23
- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23