Melissa’s Story
I had the privilege of growing up in a Christian family. We went to church every Sunday and I went to Sunday school and Wednesday night programs. My upbringing gave me an awesome foundation to build my life on. One aspect of my upbringing that really impacted me is that my parents were part of different churches. I was being taught things from two different perspectives. Even though they were both Christian perspectives, they were different and this caused many questions for me. I never really believed the things I was taught without investigating them. I started a daily quiet time, reading scripture and prayer, at a very young age. Many of my questions were answered through these times.
I accepted Christ at a young age, and from that time on, I lived a “good Christian life.” I did what I should and didn’t do what I shouldn’t. I lived this because I really wanted to—I wanted to honor God with my life. As my high school graduation approached, I decided to attend Bible College. I have always had a desire to learn about the Bible, so this was the perfect opportunity for me. While in Bible College, I learned so much about God and what living for him really means. It was during this time that I really took a stand on what I believed and made my faith my own. I was baptized at the beginning of my second year of Bible College and it was then that I really surrendered my entire life to Christ. When I let Christ have all of me, he really took my life and radically transformed it. I could see God at work in my life—showing me my sins and helping me overcome them. I could see how God was leading me to particular places and to particular things. I can see how he is changing my character from who I am by nature to someone more like Jesus.
The person I was before I totally surrendered my life to Christ was just okay. I was living a good life and enjoying being a Christian. I guess I didn’t even know what I was missing. When I gave Christ total control, my life was radically changed. I have now experienced what it means to live a spirit-filled life. I can’t imagine life without the Spirit guiding, comforting, and directing me. Now my life is all about Jesus; glorifying Him through my life and making His name known.
Lori Howard
Feb 15, 2010Melissa,
You could truly be an inspiration to anyone who reads your article, it is truly amazing!!
Lori
mariah norton
Feb 15, 2010This story makes me smile! Oh, and by the way….thanks for planting the seed in me!
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