Baptismal Testimony

It has been a few years since I have started Bible studies and attending this church.
Before I started studies, I thought that I was an alright Christian. I was an Adventist and I went to church every week. I took part in church activities; I listened to my parents some of the time; I helped around the house a little bit; I went to school and passed my exams; to the out- m ward person, I was a “good girl.”

I had never been constantly challenged to look at my life, to look at my motives and especially to look at my relationship with I JESUS, whom I professed to love and I worship.

Though outwardly I seemed okay, no-one really knew the dark- I ness that was in my heart and soul. No-one knew that though I seemed to be a happy person, how much I longed for love and sympathy. Though I had friends I was lonely. Though I knew of Jesus and was thought of as rich in spirit no-one knew how poor I really was. I have always had a rebellious spirit but I thought that was discernment and assertiveness. To the world it was essential to have this characteristic in order to make a difference and gain life.

Unknowingly my awful characteristics were covered by self -righteousness. My heart and soul was crying out for something no human on earth could fulfill.

At first the studies were interesting and I went on a regular basis, but nothing happened in my life, in past experiences – messages were for hearing and to be excited for that moment. I never applied it in my life.

It was through many trials in my life, that He showed me my need to come to the foot of the cross. He showed me and taught me that in myself I can do nothing and only by His strength and trust in His promises, can victories be gained. Jesus was always there for me when no one was; He loved and comforted me when my loved ones disappointed me. He has carried me and I know He is teaching me to walk. He is the only true Father I have really known.

I am learning that through disobedience and unbelief comes all unhappiness. Through obedience I find true peace and happiness, and it is through obedience that the Bible starts to come alive. This is when I started to discover that Jesus is my personal Saviour. His blood does wash me and I am never alone!

I want to give thanks for many things, but I really want to praise God for life itself, because I truly believe that if Christ had not come into my life, life’s perplexities, its burdens and all its care would have crushed me. I would have given up a long time ago!

The Lord has been opening my eyes to help me see how really blessed I am, to have a church family that loves the Lord. Since I have been attending church, I have not been criticized or told about the things I have to or need to give up. The members have been giving my short- comings to the Lord, and His Spirit is doing the work. In attending church I have gained messages reflecting the areas in my life in need of change, so easily could the devil tempt me to ignore, because the messages cut against the grain but I have also been given love and encouragement to help me to grow. I believe this is the purpose of the church organization, and as members we are to endeavour to reflect the messages we are proclaiming. People often ask me, which causes me to ask myself, “Why am I going the way I am going?” The devil tempts me and says, “Going the path you’re going, makes your family unhappy. You look so funny at university with your long skirt. Your food is so boring. How can you have fun if you can’t do this and that? You’re losing friends.” And the list goes on and on.

I praise God for Jesus; in Him there is strength to face my difficulties. I remember Jesus when He was tempted in the wilderness, that the world would be His, in the renunciation of His faith in God. But He stood firm in His stand for God.

I always thought that if I were an Israelite I would have been the obedient one and would not have complained. If I were Daniel, Shadrak, Meshak or Abednigo, I would have been like them and not bowed down to the statue. If I were Peter I would not have denied Christ. Not until I applied the word to my life, and trials were given to test my faithfulness, was I shown who I really am. I am the Eve when I eat chocolate;

I am the Cain when I envy others; I am the Pharisee when I esteem myself better than others; I am Judas when I harden my heart to God’s voice and I am the sinner that broke the heart of Jesus.

But strength and courage do I find in the word of God, that He still loves me regardless. He suffered and knowing His life would end in a shameful death, He overcame. He did it for you and me. How can I deny such love, but to follow?

Young people don’t think that any of the experiences you are going through now won’t have any effects on your tomorrows. Because at 20 I am having to unlearn the things I learnt at 10, 13 and 16.
I am learning to be happy in trials and temptations. It is only through the fiery furnace that is gold refined. When trials come I remember that it is because He loves me and longs to be with me, that He is showing me that I still am failing in many areas. I am still learning how to apply the word of God in my life. But my desire with Jesus as my strength is to continue fighting as Jesus fought till death.

I praise God as Simeon saw baby Jesus he saw promises being fulfilled, today and tomorrow as being hopeful, he saw that God is love and he saw the meaning of life.

I thank the Lord that as I contemplate Jesus, I see there is hope for me, I see a friend longing for my friendship, a Father longing for my love, a Saviour longing to save and an intercessor listening for my prayers. Because of this I know that JESUS is the meaning of life.

Praise the Lord daily, for new beginnings.
AMEN.