January 24, 2007
My past and present
Jill Christian
Aberdeen, SD
I just wanted to share what the Lord has done for me these past few months and weeks since attending FWC. From the first Sunday I went to FWC I knew it was exactly where God wanted me to be. For the first time in a long time I felt God's presence in a very powerful and personal way. God was calling me back to Him. For five years I've been searching for my place in this world (or I should say in Aberdeen). I went from church to church searching for that something to complete me. Something that would wrap it's arms around me and tell me that the search was over and I was where I belonged. Five years ago my world came crashing down around me. My church, my friends and my family seemed to be far away from me. But most of all I felt God had left me. Each year that went by, I became farther and farther away from God. I knew that my world was spinning out of conrol, but I didn't know where to go. I tried to be faithful but I kept falling short. Eventually by the Grace of God I released all the anger and bitterness I had inside for both God and the people who hurt me so deeply. But I still hadn't totally surrendered my heart and life to God. I still wanted to be in control. I figured that I tried it the first time with God and this time I would help Him out. BIG mistake. I thought that my happiness would be found in other people and they would be able to complete me. But those people kept hurting me and letting me down. I've been going to FWC now for about 3 months and WOW, the changes God has done in my life. I'm not saying that it's been easy because the Devil sure put up a fight because he didn't want me to get serious about living for God. Finally by offering up a sacrifice of praise and putting my foot down and telling the Devil to get out of my mind and life I've become free. I can honestly tell you that the freedom and peace I feel sure was worth the fight. The weekend when Dean Niforatos was here was the turning point for me. Every message was exactly where I was and at each service was a step closer to the total and complete surrender of my life to God and allowing Him to be "the driver" and me being "locked in the trunk." Dean talked about people who give their lives to God, but never walk through the "door." I was one of "those." But that weekend I walked through the door and received the freedom that I've been longing for and now I'm coming back out that door to help others take that step. During that weekend God gave me a verse found in Isaiah 43:18,19. "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I will do a new thing." I've been given a new beginning. I want to thank pastor Drew for being the vessel used of God to give me the words of encouragement God wanted me to hear. I've told Pastor Drew that I've been praying for 5 years for a church like FWC to come to Aberdeen. Thankyou Pastor Drew and Christi for being obedient to God's call on your life and coming to Aberdeen. I pray for you both and your family daily. Thankyou Pastor Ron and Heather for being my ears and shoulder and mostly thankyou for your prayers. Also thank you every person at FWC who has encouraged me and prayed with me. You all have blessed me greatly. My search is over, I'm where I belong. In Christ, Jill Christian
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