For the past two Sundays I have sat in a pew at church listening as they played a 38 second testimony I gave on why I was choosing to be baptized. I’m 25 years old and have never made a decision as a Christian, to obey and be baptized. Well today that finally changed. Today was baptism Sunday. Today I was joined by 19 others making this decision with me. Today, a young woman told me that she and her husband decided to move forward with their baptism partially due to my testimony. Today was amazing but it was also a journey to get here.
I’m not sure why I waited so long to be baptized. My parents were always encouraging me to do it and reminding me of it’s importance but for some reason I resisted. Honestly, I did not feel worthy. Looking back on the many years and opportunities of baptism I missed, I realize now it was because the enemy had a hold on me. He had convinced me that I was unworthy, that I was too sinful, and that being baptized meant I must exemplify the perfect Christian. In fact, I partly believed this most of my life. I grew up in a Christian home but I did not understand the abundant grace that Christ has for us. I would hear classic excuses for sin: nobody’s perfect, we’re only human, we all make mistakes, yada yada yada. It took me most of my life thus far to honestly and truly see that these excuses are not dismissive of our actions but are completely valid. I am a sinner. I sin every day. I will continue to sin whether I want to or not, because it is in my nature as a human being. This is why I need a Savior, this is why I need Jesus.
When I make a mistake, I ask for forgiveness and I receive it. I am given grace by the father. He understands that we live in a fallen world and that sin is all around us and the enemy is trying to cause us to fall every second of every day. It blows my mind that I serve a God who is so loving and so understanding, who knows my heart and my desires, and knows that my greatest desire is to serve Him and to have a relationship with him. I cannot tell you exactly the time that I started to view my Christianity as more of a relationship than an obligation but I can tell you that Jesus has pursued me. He has made me feel loved and cherished and like a daughter of the King.
So today, seconds before I ran, yes ran, onto the stage I cannot explain the joy that overcame me. I was obeying the commandment given in Acts 22:16 ‘And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ Today I made a public declaration that I am worthy, that I am made new through Christ Jesus, and that I am a daughter of the King.
I no longer allow Satan to speak those lies into my life, because that’s all he does. He comes to lie, steal, cheat, and destroy. However, as my relationship with Jesus deepens I learn and grow confident in the truth and how to apply it to my daily life. I learn how to pick up my sword and fight the enemy with truth. However, I know the reality is I will mess up but when I do, Jesus is there to comfort me and to my cry to Him asking for mercy, grace, and forgiveness. He is pleased when I do this because He knows my heart is with Him and my heart desires nothing more than to please Him.
Today I am made into a new creation. Today I was obedient. Today I am worthy. Today I was baptized in water in front of our congregation. Today was a wonderful blessing<3
Also, I leave in 23 days for the World Race. I am still in need of roughly $1,500. If you feel led to give please click support me at the top right corner of the page.
God bless you all.
