A Pilgrim’s New Direction
Wish I could tell you after becoming a believer in 1939, everything was up-hill, and I lived happily ever after, but not true. I brought a lot of baggage into my new relationship, and it would take many years to sanctify my life. Not aware of that truth and reading such scriptures as the following troubled me.”Therefore. if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5: 17
As I look back on my life, I know God had a wonderful life planned for me, and though I did not know, Satan must have known: because he did his utmost to keep me in bondage. Since he could not change my relationship of being God’s child, he would do all possible to hinder my service for Him. His first strategy was to convince me I really was not God’s child: so for years doubts caused me much anxiety.
Finally publicly I recommitted my life to Jesus Christ, telling God if my first experience was not real, I was trusting Jesus now. I was even immersed again. Still Satan hounded me with discouragement, doubt, and stage fright, but I continued trying to teach and serve God: I couldn’t forget my original experience on August 9, 1939.
Praise God that I learned sanctification does not occur overnight, but takes a lifetime.
It took many years of refining, but finally God is giving me victory. My life is a true example of God’s grace, but He is not finished with me. I am truly thankful I serve a God, who is longsuffering, merciful, and One who is allowing me time to mature in the knowledge of His word. Even if there were no heaven or hell, my choice would be to serve God.
Heavenly Father, thank You for patience and perseverance used to transform my life, and I pray by sharing my testimony, You can use it to help and encourage someone else is experiencing a struggle. If so, I give Jesus the honor and praise: because He made the transformation of my life possible and I pray in His name. Amen.
