I No Longer Have To Be Afraid
Friday, July 16, 2010
The devil tries his very best to trap God's children while they're still young and most vulnerable. But if they're one of God's elect, it doesn't matter how far they go, because the Heavenly Father will find His own and bring them back into the safety of His sheepfold. Once they are in Christ, they're free from all fear and loosed from the bounds of Satan.
For those who feel they are alone in their struggles and temptations of the world, this young sister's testimony should be a great encouragement to you.
I'd just like to share my testimony with all the young believers out there who think no one understands the trials they face.
Only about three months ago I was following a path that I knew led to nothing but destruction, but I thought I still had everything figured out. I had a worldy boyfriend that caused me to have temptations that should never have been there, and for almost three years we had been leading each other down the wrong path. We both thought we knew what love was, but I now understand that we were both sadly mistaken. I also attend a public high school, and honestly, I felt like I was the lowest person there. I didn't live as a light. Instead I acted just like every other teenager there. I listened to worldy music, which is probably the one thing that can bring you down before you even have time to notice. To sum it up, I was just another sinner running from the Lord. However, I thought I was doing fine. I had it set in my mind that "I'm a teenager, I should enjoy myself while I can, I'll come back eventually." But I'm here to tell everyone that that does not work. I ended up doing things that I had always promised myself I would never do. My actions took a huge toll on my family life and caused serious depression to the point where I was disgusted with myself and wouldn't talk to anyone. I would go in my room every night after school and not come out. On top of that, I caused myself a lot of pain. I was completely alone... or so I thought.
Then, on February 13th, 2010, everything changed. I went to some meetings that were held in Jasper, Texas. That night, I felt something I had never felt before. It was a spirit so strong that it brought me to my knees. At that very moment I let go of every worldy thing that had me and I gave my life completely to the Lord. The next day, which was valentines day, I was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, along with three of my best friends.
I think all three of us can say that those two days were days we will never forget, because now for the first time in years we are all kindred spirits and can finally really help each other in our walks with God. We're all standing on solid ground and living for God. Although it is a tremendous battle, we keep on moving forward.
I wouldn't trade the salvation I have now for anything in the world, because for once in my life, I no longer have to be afraid... And for all of you out there who still have fear of the world around you and think that this life is just too hard, always remember that we serve a mighty God that never fails.
Below are a few topic-related quotes we thought would also be an encouragement to you.
Notice, and don't you underestimate Jesus Christ, either, 'cause He's the power over all powers. Don't be afraid of Satan, as long as you're in Him. But if you're not in Him, you better tremble. But if you're in Him, not even death itself can harm you. You're free from all fear. Oh, when I think of that, I want to shout, "Hallelujah." Amen.
53-0327
When I walk into anything, I--I walk like a little kid; you walk like a little fellow. We--we're walking in a dark world full of enemies, full of sin, full of traps, full of everything. You say, "Oh, I'm 'fraid--I'm 'fraid to take Christian life. I--I'm 'fraid to do this. I'm 'fraid I'll do this." Don't be afraid. We have an Advocate. Amen. Oh, He stands by us; He's in us, and He makes intercessions for us: the Holy Spirit constantly, constantly making an advocate for us all the time. He is our Advocator (Oh, how we thank God for that.), a Seal, a Sign, the Spirit of Life, the God of heaven, the Comforter, the Life, the Advocate.
59-1216
And sometimes at that discouraging moment, if you'll watch, that's when He comes around. But don't be blind enough to miss it. See? When you see everything happening the way it is in the world today, don't be afraid. See? Don't be afraid. Just--just remember, He promised to come to you.
64-0315
