My journey with Jesus hasn't been easy. Living for the world was like an addiction, and as I've drawn closer to Him, it's felt like going through rehab. I've had to let go of sinful habits that used to bring me temporary pleasure, because He asks us to deny our worldly desires daily. While some may see me praising God without much change in my life, they don't realize He's healed me from many things, freed me from lust, and transformed my outlook on life. He's given me the strength to overcome numerous challenges, teaching me patience and self-compassion—all because I said 'Yes' to Him! If I had all day, I'd talk endlessly about Him, but for now, I hope this encourages you to take your relationship with Him seriously. Dive into His Word and discover Him for yourself.
I stand before you today because I've chosen to embark on a journey with Jesus. Through immersing myself in His teachings, repenting for my sins, and heeding the guidance of those entrusted to preach His word, I've drawn closer to Him. It's crucial to recognize that embracing this path often entails enduring hardships initially, as the adversary vehemently opposes our connection with God. Consequently, challenges may persist for a prolonged period. However, to counter these adversities, we must equip ourselves with the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. This involves regular study of the Bible, fasting, sincere repentance, and fervent prayer. It's essential to remember that the adversary holds no power over us when we stand firm in our faith.