We all have a story and this is mine. My life changed dramatically at age 27. It was nothing I worked for or forced upon myself. A friend had invited me to my first Bible study. It so affected me that three weeks later I made a decision to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior! Just think—my sins would be forever forgiven! I would have a free pass to heaven! Who wouldn’t want that?
But wait! God also wanted me to make Him my Lord! That meant He wanted me to put Him FIRST in my life! How could I do that? After weeks of inner turmoil, I finally made the decision:
I was alone at my kitchen table. I simply talked to God and told him, “I cannot live the Christian life on my own power—I keep failing. I’m ready now to surrender my life to You. Please forgive my sins. Please send Your Holy Spirit to come and live inside me. Take control of my life. Make me the person You want me to be. I’m Yours.”
That was pretty much my prayer. I immediately sensed a peace that settled over me—a peace with God I had never before known. I knew He was pleased.
Within an hour that peace turned to joy. I was so happy I’d made this decision! Within another hour there was love. I wanted to show love to people, even people who were difficult to love.
God began changing me! Every morning I would awaken and look at my life with new eyes! The worldly pleasures in my life—the books I’d read and some of the TV shows and movies we’d watch suddenly became distasteful and a waste of time. I’d think, “I can’t believe I watch this silly show every week!” Certain hobbies became frivolous and foolish. PEOPLE became more important than THINGS. After one week I realized I had changed. I was different. My husband noticed. So did my friends. It was then I realized Jesus’ words in John 3:7, “You MUST be born again” described what had happened to me.
Shortly before our marriage four years earlier, I had experienced a perforated appendix with peritonitis. Afterwards I was told my reproductive system had suffered irreparable damage and I would never bear children. A year later I had corrective surgery but the surgery was not successful. Meanwhile, my husband was tested and we learned he was unable to father a child! Adoption was repeatedly recommended.
The very week I gave my life to Jesus was the week God healed both of us! I gave birth to a son the next year. Two years later we had a daughter. Later I required more abdominal surgery. The surgeon’s first words after I awoke were, “Where did you get your two children? I saw your innards. There is no way anyone with your reproductive system could ever conceive and bear children.”
“I told you they were miracles.”
- [Jesus said] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:7.
- Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3
- Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
SONG: I Know Him – By Kathleen:
Such a beautiful testimony Kathleen and an amazing witness to the surgeon. Blessings.
Thank you! Yes, it is a beautiful testimony of God’s power and grace.
What a great testimony! I wonder if Hannah could give her testimony…WAIT! She did:
1 Samuel 1:26-27: Hannah said, Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition made to Him.
Thank you, Mel. Yes the Lord has been faithful and has granted so many of my petitions. Re: our children—I praise God that they are following Jesus and so are their spouses. The best part…they are raising up godly children! To God be the glory!
Beautiful reminder that God is not constrained by man’s rules. He does in and through and for us what He wills. Thank you for sharing your testimony!
I agree, Karen. God is good and God is sovereign. Thank you for your encouragement.
I noticed two things which were absolutely vital to your success as a Christian: you acknowledged that you couldn’t do it on your own and you made Jesus your Lord and not just your Saviour, The Bible promises that we will be able to have children, whether its naturally impossible is irrelevant, as your testimony shows.
Thank you, Matthew. I agree it’s most important to acknowledge we cannot do life on our own–we need Jesus to be our Lord and not just our Savior.
Amen Sister Kathleen! Wonderful testimony!
Thank you Kristy! God is good.