Where can we go to find peace and hope in troubled times? I know of only one person who can give me sustaining peace, unconditional love, and eternal hope. His name is Jesus. Although my relationship with Jesus is built upon faith, it is more real and personal than any earthly relationship. He knew me before I was born and walks with me every second of the day. When my earthly life is over, I will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
My journey with Jesus began at 15 years old. I realized that no matter how hard I tried, I could never be perfect and accepted by God. Then I heard Good News! God had made a way for me! He had sent Jesus, His perfect Son to die in my place. My sin no longer had to separate me from a Holy God. I was loved, forgiven and redeemed. Through faith in Jesus, I could have a relationship with my Heavenly Father. The minute I believed, Jesus came to dwell within me in the power of the Holy Spirit.
This poem depicts my life with Jesus since that day.
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God Hath Not Promised
God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God Has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.
– Annie Jonson Flint
When I get weary and burdened in this life, I remember Jesus’s words in Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
My personal relationship with Jesus began by faith but it has grown deeper as I communicate with Him through prayer and He communicates with me through His Word, the Bible. For over twenty-five years, God has used Community Bible Study (CBS) to strengthen my faith and help me know Jesus more intimately. This year all CBS classes will be studying the Gospel of John and will begin virtually due to COVID-19. To locate a class near you, go to: www.communitybiblestudy.org. I encourage you to come to Jesus and learn from Him. You will find rest for your soul.