I was baptized at the age of 8. I was baptized by immersion as an outward representation of my faith and my dedication in following Jesus. My sister and I along with some of our friends were baptized in Big Creek lake by my pastor.
When I was 13, I dedicated my life to Christ at Bible camp. I knew that living in the world and going to public school, I was going to be dealt a few hardships.
A few years ago now, I was at a Bible camp and three young women spoke about their "lifeline" verses - verses that had got them through trials and hardships they'd gone through. I decided it'd be a good idea if I too had some lifeline verses. I prayed about it and asked if God would show me through His time three verses that I'd be able to use throughout the rest of my teenage life and into my adult hood. My three lifeline verses have already gotten me through some things and I believe God showed these verses to me because He knew they'd be just what I needed. Those verses are:
2 Timothy 2:3 - Though therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. - This verse has spoken to me in many ways. I've been ridiculed for believing in God, and you know what? I'm a soldier for Christ, meaning that I'm in the LORD's army, and I'll fight for Him.
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. - I'll admit, I'm pretty easily scared. I get nervous, anxious and troubled over tiny little things. But perfect love = God. He cast out all my fears, my cares can rest easily on the shoulders of the Almighty and I have NOTHING to fear. What can man do to me?
Isaiah 43:2 - When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.- No matter what I go through, I have a God who promises I won't be alone. I won't drown in my trials, I will not burn in all the fires. I survive by the hands of a God who says that He is with me no matter what I go through.
Now, many people believe that since I'm raised in a Christian home, I live my parent's faith. I want you to know now that that is SO untrue. I chose to accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Lord and Savior. I wasn't forced to do it. I know what I believe because I have chosen on my own to repent of my sinful ways and I CHOSE to open my eyes to He that is greater than I.
Of course I go through things that hurt. Of course I am tempted. But, "I'm not a Christian because I'm strong and have it all together. I am a Christian because I'm weak and need a Savior." I don't have it all together but I put my life in His hands. He handles it for me.
I don't care if I get made fun of. I don't care if I get mocked. I don't care if I get Tweeted about, gossiped about, laughed at. I don't care what people think of me. I am CRAZY, I am INSANE, and according to the word of God, I'm a peculiar person. I have the love of a man who came to earth, was mocked, beaten, whipped till His guts hung out of His body, and lowered Himself to allow me the freedom to come freely to Him.
People will say what they will say. But I want everyone to know, my mind won't be changed. I live for God. I live to further His kingdom. I am a representative of Christ and all I say and do should reveal that. Even though I fail so many times, I strive to be the perfect witness for him. I live to speak and sing His praises. My purpose in life, my "meaning" of life is clear. - I live for Him because He died for me.
If you want scripture to back up what I believe, if you have comments or questions, feel free to contact me. Thank you for reading and God bless you. ♥