Written by Netisha Alie-Grant
[Author of Inspirational book: Walking a Two-way Street]
Do you know what makes believers different from the rest of the people in the world? They make a personal choice and vow to dedicate their lives to having a relationship with their creator: God Almighty.
Though there are people who do this freely without needing a "push," it is not so for everyone who commits their life to a relationship with their maker.
Most people give their hearts to God in the midst of a crisis, in those moments when they come to the realization that whatever they are facing is beyond themselves and need a saviour's divine supernatural intervention.
One such person, like many of us, went as far as making a "bargain" with God.
Trinity: "I gave my heart to God when I was 14..."
The short version of my story on how I gave my life to God begins with my grandfather becoming unexpectedly ill and he was on what the doctors described as "the brink of death." It was then that I told God; "if He saves my grandfather’s life I will give Him my life in return." And He did.
I had always desired to have a strong relationship with God but I didn’t know where to start until my grandfather's ailment. Many of my peers were surely doing the opposite but I realized that people always wait till they’re old and grey to give their life to Jesus. However, tomorrow is never promised so why should I wait?
As young people, we desire to feel free and we want to “live our best life.” However, I have learned that All the fleshly things you do when you are young or old will never be able to fill the void of not having a true relationship with Jesus Christ.
Living in the flesh, which is a life where you are only feeding the fleshly part of your body while starving your spirit which is who you really are, is destructive to your spirit. God breathes life into you and that 'life' leaves your body in death. But the peace and love you get from a relationship with God is eternal and lives on long after your flesh returns to the earth.
The Bible states, “For what does is it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Matthew 16:26. So for example your flesh would be enjoying partying at secular places, fornication, having idols (people in your life or things like work), and other guilty pleasures of life. These all feel good but are very temporary gratifications.
Knowing this I gave my life to God because I recognized that I didn’t only want Him, but I need Him. If I’m not doing the will of God I feel empty and I have no purpose without Him. So I decided to live my best life, but with and In Jesus also.
I must admit It has been a very challenging journey, I have fallen short of God’s glory many times, I’ve put my emotions, desires, people, and things above Him at times. I have many struggles but I have faith that God would continue to mold me into the young woman of God He intends for me to be. I also want to be sure that when my flesh returns to the earth, my spirit will spend eternity with my creator.
I am able to remain on His path thus far because of the constant reminder and conviction of the Holy Spirit. I made a promise to give my life and not turn back and I want/need to be obedient to Him. Also, having godly friends/family members who can hold you accountable is very encouraging as well. It’s always good to have godly influences and people who can help pull you up when you’ve drifted away from God.
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| My grandfather is doing ok and I am living my best life with God. |
Lastly, how does one maintain that personal relationship with God? It takes work like any good thing and relationship: "In spite of what you’re feeling or going through, remain committed and obedient to God, rise above that feeling/situation and build your Spirit man through prayer (constant communication with God), fasting, READING THE WORD OF GOD (apply it to your life not just read ), worship/praise, and let His will be done in your life.
Keep pressing! As the song goes, “it’s not easy but it’s worth it”. Surround yourself with godly counsel and ensure your heart is always in a posture of worship to God. Ask God DAILY for a heart of repentance. Your flesh must be denied and controlled daily, “let yourself decrease so He can increase “- John 3:30. Be blessed!
