What’s This Christianity Thing About?


What would I say if someone asked  me that? It’s a big question. Really big.  I don’t know where to start!  “In the beginning…” ?   Not very personal… Would I endeavour to first prove that they’re a sinner and need Jesus? (creating a need, then offering the solution) A valid method, but… something’s not ‘me’ about that either.

As I think of ‘having an answer ready' for the faith I have, I have to agree with Craig Groeschel (author of Christian Atheist) who recommends sharing our own personal Jesus experience as our answer. 

I started to wonder ‘what IS my story?’  … what parts of it would I dare share? How would I put it into words?  So, I’ll share it here as an exercise in preparation.

_____________________________

I don’t know what the whole “Christianity Thing” is about, but I know what Jesus has done in my life. By age 12, I felt completely rejected – by everyone. Terrified of people’s opinions and, most of all, their rejection, I withdrew. Bitterness grew and soon I seethed with hate. I hated people. I hated myself. I hated rules. I hated this empty, angry life. I thought of ending it, even held knife to skin …  but couldn’t do it. “Chicken”

I left home and moved far away to a city of strangers. I strutted and scowled. Nobody was going to mess with me. No one would ever get the chance. Drugs, booze, bar hopping … well, for a detailed list, just look at Galatians 5:19-21 – that was me. All of it.

 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear:
sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, 
quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,  envy,
drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.

But even while I ran from him, consumed with hate and self-destructing, Jesus loved me. He pursued me. He protected me from so much. SO much.

Since I met Jesus, I’ve known a whole new world! (and it’s only getting better!) I’ve heard His voice guide me. He’s done miracles in my life, called me to specific tasks. He’s healed my body when no doctor could. He’s told me about my future and I got to watch it come true! He’s taught me, guided me and completely changed my heart. (only God can do that!!)  The Holy Spirit has spoken such life into my life! 
Nothing on this earth compares with Him!

I’ve had it all - money, a job with purpose (the ultimate in career success, isn't it?) and meaningful friendships – basically lacked for nothing and still ached for something. That something, that void we all try to fill with meaning – that’s the hole we were created with. Only one thing can fill it, but He fills it completely.
___________________________________


Isn’t God awesome?! I’d love to hear your story. Include a page address in your comment – I’ll be sure to visit! I love hearing about God’s amazing work. I could listen to them forever. Actually, I DO get to listen to them forever! God is so good! 

.

11 comments:

Warren Baldwin said...

I agree with this post and really like this statement: "sharing our own personal Jesus experience as our answer." I think much evangelism fails b/c it speaks exclusively to the head and not the heart. It must do both.

emmy's closet said...

Hi! Following you back...thanks to Mommy Moment!! Thanks for your comment. If you have a little girl (or know someone who would love some bows!) you should check out my giveaway too! I look forward to your posts!

:) Sara

MTJ said...

Hi Kim,

I haven't written on that subject but I'll send you a note once I do.

Blessings and peace.

MTJ

From The Heart Online said...

Hi Warren! I agree. I pray I'll be prepared with a balanced, Spirit led answer. I don't thing there's such a thing as one answer that fits all...

Hi Sara! Welcome here. Thanks for following. Mommy Moment knows how to share the love, don't they? :)

Hi MTJ! I can't wait to hear your story. (though I've read some of it already...)

Valerie said...

Your story gave me goosebumps, Kim! There's a saying I heard in my early Christian days ..."Much forgiven, much praise".
Here's a better one ...
"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Ps. 40:2
I think when we tell others our own Jesus stories they see the excitement and enthusiasm we have in our walk with Him. Nothing could be more inviting. Here's a web address to an article telling a bit of my story, if you care to read it.
www.comfort-cafe.net/?p=498

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Hey, thanks so much for visiting my blog! Love to meet other Christian homeschoolers.

Your testimony is a wonderful picture of what God can do and how he pursues us even when we aren't aware.

I always find my testimony rather boring. But I'm learning that that is OK. I found Christ when I was a little girl, but it took a long time until I had a really personal relationship with him. I was about 25 years old when I asked the Holy Spirit to fill me up to overflowing. It kicked my spiritual life into overdrive and I haven't looked back. God is so good!

Have a wonderful, blessed day,
Jackie

From The Heart Online said...

Hi Valerie. I read your article (couldn't leave a comment there, so I'll leave it here..) Thanks for sharing that! I love where you wrote "I would rather truly know God in the shadows of adversity than be cold in the light of day without Him." Amen!
and the most powerful words that spoke to my heart were "I was brought to peace by identifying in this small way with my Savior." Wow. I think I'll need to blog about that sometime.

What a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness. God is good. All the time.

From The Heart Online said...

Welcome here, Cheesemakin' Mama :) Thanks for your kind words. Your testimony of how God has touched your heart is not boring. Sounds like he's rocking your world and changing your heart. What's boring about that?! I'd love to hear details sometime! :)

James Thayil said...

Hi Kim,
I stumbled upon your blog as I was searching for faith and faithfulness stories.
Indeed, your stories and reflections are faith-inspiring.
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences in walking with the Lord.
I have opted to follow your blog.
You are welcome to visit my blog "smile of the word" wherein I share my reflections and meditations on my encounter with the Lord.
Keep smiling--Jesus loves you; i love you, too!
James. http://thayil-james.blogspot.com/

vonimoller said...

dont u know my story yet? im sure I did tell you... perhaps you should start a blog hop here Kim

From The Heart Online said...

Hi V! Do you have your story on your blog? where can I find it?

blog hop is a great idea! I don't know how to start one... Hmm. That would be a fantastic, powerful one wouldn't it? To go around reading each other's God stories? Oooooh. I'm quite excited about that.

You're full of great ideas, aren't you? How do I start one?