My Testimony
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
I would begin writing my testimony after my nana’s friend made a comment to me on how I am someone who is confident and loves life. While there was a time in my life where I was confident, optimistic and wholeheartedly loved life, in that present moment those statements couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Through certain situations in life I became a girl who feared everything and worried endlessly. I seemed to have lost my sense of direction and let anxiety control my life. I based my happiness off of others and let their opinions dictate my life. I truly became unhappy and no longer recognized myself.
I’ve been in church my whole life, but there came a time where I no longer made God the top priority. I always believed God was real, but I was missing the relational aspect with Jesus. I decided to go on my own because “worldly” promises seemed more satisfying. Now, I would still pray from time to time hoping God would make my circumstances better, and at times I felt He was not hearing me, but because it was not the answer I wanted… I neglected to hear him.
THE TURNING POINT
I started praying for myself and by that I mean for God to change me. This was a lesson from my pastor, David, that I had learned at a young age. I remember him saying, “We can’t just pray for others to change, but we must pray to change ourselves.” I was tired of anxiety controlling my life and not feeling myself.
Long story short, God got my attention in something I feared most… by being ALONE. This actually had a different effect on me than I had thought.
You see God places the best things in life on the other side of fear. 🌟
God never told me that being alone would cause me unhappiness. So where in the world did I get that idea? Oh, I just said it…. from the WORLD. Remember when I said “worldly promises” seemed satisfying? That’s exactly what the devil wants us to believe. Little did I know by being alone I would crave the word of God like never before. Through him I would start to find myself, love life, and my favorite thing, dance with joy in my heart again! I would soon discover the answer that changed my life, with him you will never be alone. 🖤
“And the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
God Restores the Broken
Through this journey I have been able to see that my path is not best and I can not possibly be filled with confidence or be happy without living my life for Christ and following his path for me.
And through him I am able to find my confidence and love for life again because He is love.
I know some of you may be going through something similar and I am sharing this because I want you to know you are not alone. You just have to seek him because He is with you wherever you go. It does NOT matter how far down the wrong road you have traveled, you can always turn to him and He will guide you back home (He’s waiting for you to turn to him). 🖤
Lastly, as Lysa Terkeurst says, “Perfection Intimidates. Compassion Inspires.” I have learned to find beauty in being vulnerable, even when it’s not pretty. That’s when you can relate with people and share just what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do for you. 🌟
That’s when you can relate with people and share just what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do for you.”
I will leave you with this,
“God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when trouble comes, but you will be patient.” Colossians 1:11
with love, Emilee
