:: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as the result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) ::
What amazing grace: that God would take a sinner like myself and call her to share His gracious love around the world! Raised in a conservative home, I thought that Christianity was a list of things to do and not to do. Living a “good, Christian” life was as simple as a recipe. Church three times a week, one-tenth of income in the offering plate, one prayer recited before each meal, a dash of Christian music, and daily reading of Scripture and other religious books. Let it settle for a few years and you have one Christian young lady yearning for more. It all seemed incredibly plastic. Searching for something to fill the void, I dropped everything church-y and substituted a sinful mixture in hopes of finding something to fill the void.
The first few years of college were smooth even as I continued in blatant sin. Everything I set my mind to, I accomplished. Then God began His wondrous work of pulling me back to Himself. Out of the blue, I applied to Philadelphia Biblical University. Yep, the girl who hated all of the rules and regulations about Christianity was going to bible college. Where they have rules like no guys in your room and no alcohol and no R-rated movies. My mother asked me if I was sure that I knew what I was doing…I didn’t, but God did.
Pruning back the habits which decayed my heart did not come instantly nor easily. God’s patience, faithfulness and lovingkindness became clear to me as I studied Scripture and began to align my heart to God’s Word. He revealed that His grace is sufficient, regardless of what I think I can offer. Once I accepted God’s love and grace, it became clear that: “we are His (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Whenever something good happens it seems like you want to tell the entire world. Something exciting has happened: God has poured out His love and grace upon me. Now, God has allowed me to literally go and tell people all around the world this good news. How amazing is that?
