I did not grow up in a Christian home or attend church. However, I seemed to naturally have an awareness and belief that God existed.
My childhood was pretty turbulent; domestic violence, parents divorcing, separation from my dad who I was very close to, frequent moves of home and schools and emotional bullying by members of my clique of ‘friends’ at school. I often experienced feelings of deep hurt, anger and rejection by everyone around me. Throughout this time I would regularly talk to God. I didn’t know how to pray or even the details of who I was praying to, but would just express how I felt about life and beg God to change things. I always felt that someone was listening to my prayers and seemed stronger after those times.
New start
Suddenly things began to change in my life...as if by answer to my many prayers. My mum began to attend church, became a fully committed Christian and my home life radically changed. I knew in my heart that God had heard my prayers, and from then on sought to know more about him. At the age of 10 I attended a Christian evangelistic event at a local football stadium where I heard the gospel message clearly. It made so much sense and sounded so relevant to my life. I realised that God loved me, was active in my life and that I could know him personally. So I went forward at the end of the meeting responding to God by praying and committing my life to Jesus asking for his forgiveness.
amazing grace
I now know that it was my Father God that had been drawing me to his Son Jesus Christ throughout my childhood. I had done nothing to deserve it, but because of his amazing grace God wanted me to know what Jesus had done through his death on the cross all those years ago; providing a way for me to be forgiven of all the wrong I had done and freedom to enter into a relationship with God as his daughter.
Knowing Jesus and living daily in his presence is the best thing about my life. Jesus has given me such purpose for my life, love and passion to serve others- he can do the same for you!
