So about two months ago I was chosen to speak at the Rescue Mission of Santa Barbara, and I happened to come across it this morning and thought it would be cool to share what I spoke on with all of you who weren't there. So here it is:
I started going to church in seventh grade shortly after one of my close friends, Jake passed away. I was shocked to see that I could actually lose a loved one and that that was possible at such a young age... A short time after the incident, I had been hearing about church and how it was a good place to weep and cry out to this reliable God. (Read James 4:1-6). In this passage I was always the one asking with wrong motives and not receiving. I was constantly angry with God and couldn’t figure out why He would ever take away loved ones from my life. When I heard about all of this church stuff, I thought everything would just be perfect and I expected God to be my right-hand man. It wasn’t until last year(10th grade) that I really started to see my life transform and see what God’s salvation was really like…
By this time, I wanted to know and trust God and live a righteous life. Before, I didn’t want to commit 100% because I had never felt His presence before. I felt like all the sin I had committed was too much for God to cope with, and that He wouldn’t accept me. I struggled with this for quite awhile, but a couple months ago I had a talk with my dear friend, Brian Osgood, about all of this. He told me not to change myself for anyone nor live by my own plans, but rather to live by God’s plan and let Him change me and experience his everlasting love. At first, this seemed too good to be true and I was unsure of this and if it could actually work. He told me to pray about it, and even though I wasn’t expecting much of an answer, I stepped out in faith and did it anyways. I simply just asked God to take control of my life and use me for His good. Eventually my prayers were answered and I became more willing to give my life up for Him.
As time progressed, I slowly saw God working through me and helping me to be slow to anger and really to just trust His purpose for me… Even though I don’t know 100% why Jake died or why other hardships were occurring, I can now trust that they really do happen for a reason. (Read Philippians 4:11-13)… This verse really shows that you CAN do everything through Christ who strengthens you, even though at first you might find that impossible to believe. But if you want this amazing relationship with Jesus Christ, then I really want to encourage each and every one of you to pursue that and rely on Him because He will hear your requests and prove Himself to you… As I have testified myself to you today, God does love you and He wants you to come to Him no matter how "badly" you’ve sinned or wanted control of your life… Just get out of the way and let God come through, for when He says He loves you- He proves it.
By this time, I wanted to know and trust God and live a righteous life. Before, I didn’t want to commit 100% because I had never felt His presence before. I felt like all the sin I had committed was too much for God to cope with, and that He wouldn’t accept me. I struggled with this for quite awhile, but a couple months ago I had a talk with my dear friend, Brian Osgood, about all of this. He told me not to change myself for anyone nor live by my own plans, but rather to live by God’s plan and let Him change me and experience his everlasting love. At first, this seemed too good to be true and I was unsure of this and if it could actually work. He told me to pray about it, and even though I wasn’t expecting much of an answer, I stepped out in faith and did it anyways. I simply just asked God to take control of my life and use me for His good. Eventually my prayers were answered and I became more willing to give my life up for Him.
As time progressed, I slowly saw God working through me and helping me to be slow to anger and really to just trust His purpose for me… Even though I don’t know 100% why Jake died or why other hardships were occurring, I can now trust that they really do happen for a reason. (Read Philippians 4:11-13)… This verse really shows that you CAN do everything through Christ who strengthens you, even though at first you might find that impossible to believe. But if you want this amazing relationship with Jesus Christ, then I really want to encourage each and every one of you to pursue that and rely on Him because He will hear your requests and prove Himself to you… As I have testified myself to you today, God does love you and He wants you to come to Him no matter how "badly" you’ve sinned or wanted control of your life… Just get out of the way and let God come through, for when He says He loves you- He proves it.
Such a wonderful testimony - it was a joy to hear it in person, and I am so glad you have shared it in written form here. Praise God for the work in your life :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you! Hillary you are amazing. Thanks for being a huge impact on my life and in my walk with Christ :)
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