I’m a 31 year old female.
Like most people, I was born with a Catholic upbringing. I went to an all-girl school run by nuns. Sunday mass was a requirement and I had to be persuaded (quite strongly) to go by my mom. My idea of Jesus was respectful at best. I did not understand Him. At times, I would gaze at His body hanging on the cross and would feel a shudder of fear or guilt.
My prayers were memorised and done out of duty. My feelings about the Eternal life, dry, distant and removed.
Like some people, I rebelled.
In January of 2011, a series of events led me to seek meaning, anything to hold on to that wasn’t fleeting, disappointing or fake.
I found Jesus. Or rather, He found me.
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” – Proverbs 8:17
I was born-again. (I know the word can be misleading. But trust me, being born-again is so much more than just two words put together. ) Being born-again means a fresh beginning, a new life… like nothing else you’ve experienced.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
When Jesus died on the cross for us, our slates have been wiped clean, the sin that was passed on to us from Adam had been absolved. Our hearts are pure and holy once again and we are righteous heirs to the Kingdom of God. No more guilt, no more shame.There is nothing else we can do that can add to what Jesus had already done.
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” – John 19:30
Before I was born-again, my idea of salvation was works-based. That I had to “be good” in order to gain God’s approval. It isn’t like that at all. Jesus had already done everything for us.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Grace is the gift of God that we do not deserve but we get anyway because He loves us. Grace is what empowers us to do the good works not because we need God’s approval but because we already have it.
This blog is a record of a life saved by grace and inspired by the Spirit. It is a testimony of a life empowered by and blessed through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Thank you for stopping by.
May God bless you richly and greatly more everyday.
February 7th, 2013 at 10:26 am
Yer now a born-again Christian?! Wow, Ms. Dylan, my admiration for you increased tenfold. You are the epitome of unpredictability.
February 25th, 2013 at 11:08 am
God is the author of my story and it can only go wilder from here. That’s why I wait with joyful anticipation at what He’s planned for me next! 🙂