While growing up, I attended church regularly. One particular Sunday morning when I was about 12 years old, a sermon was preached on the Crucifixion. The message interested me. It was presented in such a way that it stirred my emotions. The pastor talked about how Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross, a spear was thrust in his side, a crown of thorns was jammed onto his head, and many more acts of cruelty were displayed toward him. He said that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my  sins. I didn’t totally understand, but I felt sorry for God and wanted to do something to repay him. I thought of myself as a “Good Girl,” not a Hell-bound sinner in need of a Saviour. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” When an invitation was given at the end of the service, I responded. Without hesitation, I marched to the front. My name was written on a card and I was baptized that Sunday evening.

As time went on, my family moved to several different areas and then settled in Abilene, Texas. I was a sophomore in High School at that time. I hung out with the “Good Kids”—the ones that didn’t smoke, drink, do drugs or attend those types of parties. A classmate invited me to a fundamental Baptist church. The people there seemed friendly and the church had lots of different activities. That appealed to me so I joined. When I started having doubts about my salvation, my mother, with good intentions, would remind me of my going forward and being baptized many years ago. That satisfied me for a while.

A few years later, I graduated from high school and got involved in my church in the college and career class. A friend introduced me to my sweetheart and by the end of that year, we were married. My husband was in the US Air Force. We became leaders in our church for the Young Married Couples and got involved in singing in the choir, and church visitation. That was rewarding, yet there was a void in my life. We had been married 7 years, had 2 kids, owned our home and had 2 cars. We were better off than most married couples our age. Life was good! Then, something happened to upset the apple cart. My husband received orders from the USAF for Sembach, Germany. Little did I know that God was getting me out of my comfort zone to make me face myself.

There was a Baptist church just outside the air base. Its members were mainly military personnel, and some had kids our kids’ ages. The Lord used this military assignment to get my undivided attention. No one was there to reassure me of my spiritual condition. I started feeling uncomfortable. There was no peace, only turmoil inside. I was able to push aside the uncertainty once again until our Fall Revival. The Devil was using my pride to keep me from confessing and repenting of my sins. After all, what would people say or think? Here I was working in the church in many different areas. That was all a joke. How would I explain it to my mom and others? During the revival meeting and to everyone’s surprise, our church secretary got saved. Wow! She was the Godliest lady I knew. That caused me once again to reexamine myself. The Holy Spirit convicted me and I had no valid reason for going to Heaven. All the works I had done in church were worthless. Confession of sins and repentance were needed. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” The invitation at the end of the church service couldn’t come fast enough. The matter was settled then and there on October 12, 1982. I had such peace in my heart and assurance of my eternal destination. I John 5:13 says, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I didn’t deserve it, but the Lord gave me another chance.

Now I have such peace. I am gladly serving Him, not for what is expected of me out of necessity, but joyfully, willingly serving, knowing it is all for God’s glory. I no longer need someone to assure me of my salvation. It is exciting to see God working in my life to bring real joy and contentment in my desire to serve Him. What a blessing it has been to serve the Lord and share my faith with others! It is exciting to see Him working in my life, showing me habits or behavioral changes needed. My heart’s desire is to know Him better and see others trust Christ as their Saviour.