Saving Faith - Part I of Persevering in this Race of Life

I year ago this month, I started writing a book about my life mainly for my own sake to remind me of what God has brought me through and the lessons He has taught me each step of the way.  A few months ago, I had the privilege of sharing my testimony at a women's prayer retreat giving me even more incentive to get my story written.  It has been a blessing to marvel at God's goodness in my life and see a broader glimpse of His Master Plan for my life.  It has also been comforting to see how God has used certain trials to prepare me for even bigger ones or equip me with more tools for ministering to others.  I chose the title/theme of my book/life "Persevering in this Race of Life" because I feel that concept totally sums up what I've been doing.  We are all in a race striving to reach the goal for the prize of the upward call of God (Philippians 3:14).

Anyway, Tim has encouraged me to put samples of my book/life on our blog as a way to allow others to rejoice with me in God's faithfulness and be encouraged by the fact that "...He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6). So, in response to his prodding, here I go!

Hebrews 12:1, 2: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Endurance is definitely what I have needed to continue on in my race of life. My life, thus far, has not been easy, to say the least, but at the same time, it has been so much easier to endure because God has been with me every step of the way. With his strength and grace, I have continued in my race because I have been able to keep my eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of my faith.

In each step of my life, God has kept His promises of never leaving me or forsaking me. Throughout my life, God has been my hope, my comfort, my peace, and my joy. If it were not for God’s hand on my life, I would not be alive today and filled with such wondrous peace.

God blessed me with the privilege of growing up in a Christian home. From infancy on, I was taught the truths of the Bible. I am indebted to my parents who taught me from the beginning and who instilled in me the importance of going to church to learn more about God and to worship Him with a body of believers. When I was four years old, I made a profession of faith. I still to this day remember that evening. I was looking at one of my favorite books, which halfway through had a picture of a baby in a baby carriage. Having always been fascinated with babies, I made a comment about the baby to my mom who used the opportunity to remind me that Jesus came to this earth as a baby to grow up and die for my sins, which I had heard multiple times. Looking at that tiny, innocent baby, I was struck unlike ever before about the magnitude of God’s love and was awed by how a baby had to be condemned to a life that would end in a cruel death on the account of ME! Right then and there, I prayed and asked God to forgive me of my sins and to save me. I thanked him for sending Jesus to the earth as a baby to grow up and die for my sins. I asked him to be Lord of my life. From that point forward, God has done just that! His timing in calling me to Himself was perfect, like always. For in a year’s time, my life would be turned upside down. (See Part II for continuing story)

Me at 4 years of age