Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17, NIV
Constantly fearful—that is how I describe my life before trusting Christ. The fear was an overshadowing, foreboding, consuming fear that enveloped and surrounded me; it followed me everywhere. Once I trusted Christ as Lord and Savior, the fear disappeared. I remember feeling as though the burden of the world had been lifted from my young shoulders; I suddenly felt so light. I especially remember the quickening in my heart of the presence of the Holy Spirit! I often think, I didn’t ask Christ to come into my heart—I begged Him to come into my heart!
My family had become very sporadic in our church attendance. But when a new pastor and his family came to minister at a church near our home, my sister became friends with one of the pastor’s daughters. My sister began to attend church regularly and I followed her lead.
The summer I came to know Christ I was 15 years old. My sister and I were attending a church camp in East Texas . Even though many years have passed, the memory of that hot July night still burns brightly in my mind. I was so deeply convicted of sin; my pastor’s wife stood at the end of the bunk bed where I lay, praying with me.
When I gave my life to Christ, the peace that passes all understanding came into my life to guard my heart and my mind, (Philippians 4:7). I have found that while your life may appear to be in total chaos, you can still feel the peace and joy that comes from knowing Christ personally.
