Written by Andria Irwin
Do you wish to be right with God but have many obstacles in the way? Are you hoping a few good deeds will get you to heaven? Do you believe the Bible stories you learned as a child will excuse your actions as an adult?
This young woman grew up going to church, but somehow that was not enough to save her…
“Growing up, church seemed like a routine. I went because my parents went; it was the ‘right thing’ to do. I learned scriptures, knew my Bible stories and knew right from wrong. But I never had a personal relationship with God, it was all in my appearance (looking like a Christian), saying the right thing at the right time, and being “good.” As I got older, I noticed that I would get upset or angry when the preaching seemed like it was directed to me.”
More and more discontent, she soon left a loving Christian home to pursue her own desires…
“I was gone for a few years, and while I went through some of the hardest times of my life, I always felt a sort of ‘tug’ on my heart. I knew where I could get help; I just had to admit that I needed God in my life. I tried to block out thinking about church or missing the people at church or feeling like something needed to change for me to be okay again; but the feeling never seemed to go away.”
But He never gave up on even someone who pushed Him away. After a time, God began to show mercy and call her back to Him. She knew there was still a place to come where true salvation is still found.
“I spent most of this time away really struggling emotionally, consistently facing depression and anxiety, which affected my day-to-day life. In November 2021, my mom invited me to attend a Fall Revival at the Church of God. I was apprehensive, but decided to come anyway. I was greeted warmly and everyone was so happy to see me. I ended up coming back the next service, and after that, started attending regularly. I started sending my son to Sunday school on the bus, hoping he would start to learn Bible stories and songs, as I did when I was a child. Eventually, I was coming every week for Sunday service.”
Coming to church is always the first step! The small amount of faith a person has can grow if they have an honest heart and can sit under the preaching of God’s word.
“Once I started attended regularly, I started to enjoy hearing the messages, building friendships and getting comfortable in a church setting. God started showing me things in my life that I needed to change, and I slowly started to change the way I talked, acted, dressed, and more. On June 12, 2022, I attended the Sunday evening service, and the pastor preached a message about ‘Fruits Meet for Repentance.’ I so clearly saw my need to be saved. I wanted to be happy and find the peace that I so desperately needed. I ended up going to the altar that night and asked God for forgiveness and was saved.”
A miracle occurred when someone once so against God truly became His child. He will always accept the one who shows that they are sorry and are willing to change. He then works an immediate change when they repent and humbly seek Him.
“Since then, being saved has been such an amazing change in my life. I have a whole new view on life. I feel so much joy and happiness. It’s wonderful to be able to teach my son about God, how to pray, and talk to him about how God can help us both day-to-day. God gave me the peace I was searching for, and has been right by side through all the changes I’ve been making. I’m so blessed and thankful to be saved!”
Friend, stories like the Prodigal Son are not just ancient stories. They still happen and can continue to happen! Remember, there is still a place where true salvation can be found. If you have an honest heart, God will welcome you back with open arms.
