As promised, here’s my testimony!
I have always struggled with fitting in in this world.
I grew up in Japan until I was 11 years old, as a missionary kid. I loved Japan and I had a happy childhood, but I also felt very out of place. Going to Japanese kindergarten and elementary school, I never quite fit in with the other kids.
When I was 11, we moved to America, I was excited because I thought I would fit in better there. However, after a few months, I began to realize that I don’t fit in in America, either. I was used to a completely different culture. I started to become very depressed and confused about where I belong.
Around this time, I started listening to Christian radio. I heard about how we can have a personal relationship with Jesus. I had heard about Jesus all my life, but didn’t quite get it. In my sadness, my heart was open, and I began to understand that Jesus took the punishment for my sins so that I can be with God.
It especially struck me that the Bible says I have a citizenship in Heaven. I don’t have to fit in in this world. In fact Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world.”
All my teen years, I had very few friends and still felt out of place. But I took great comfort in knowing that Jesus is my friend.
The biggest change I see in myself since accepting Jesus is, the peace that he gives me in the midst of hard times. Even when life is really hard, I have assurance that Jesus understands and is with me, and this life is only a short time compared to eternity.
I have come to embrace my childhood as a blessing. It has made me compassionate toward people who feel left out, and has helped me relate to people from different cultures.
My favorite Bible verse is: “Let us not grow weary of doing what is right, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
It was really great for me to write this down and really think about how God has worked in my life! What is your testimony? I would love to hear it!!
