Do you remember what your life was like before you were saved?
I grew up attending church, but I began questioning my faith in middle school. I was able to confidently accept Christ as my Savior when I was 13, but those years of searching for answers were a struggle. My life was full of insecurity and fear.
But God pursued me during that time and has since filled me with security, peace and joy. I am so thankful for the things He kept me from and the work He was doing in my life even when I was unaware. If you consider what your life was like before Christ, how much have you changed since then?
One of my favorite passages is Ezekiel 16. It reminds me how hopeless I was before I came to really know Christ and of the care with which He watches over me. I think it is a powerful illustration of how God works in our lives.
In the passage, God is speaking to the people of Jerusalem. He reminds them of all He has done for them, and later admonishes them for turning away and becoming like an adulterous wife.
I want to focus on Ezekiel 16:1-14, with special attention to verses 4-8:
On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.
Then I passed by you and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, ‘Live!’ I made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew up and developed and became the most beautiful of jewels. Your breasts were formed and your hair grew, you who were naked and bare.
Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine (Ezekiel 16:4-8).
How incredible is all God has done for us. Like He did for the Israelites, He has rescued us, nurtured us and loved us. And He continues to do so to this day.
When I first became a believer, it took me a while to learn how to trust God completely. Even eight years later, I still fail to trust Him sometimes, but I’m becoming more and more fearless in lifting up my concerns in prayer.
People are starting to ask me what my plans are for after graduation, and my parents are worrying over the job market and the likelihood of being able to find a job in May. I refuse to worry because I have experienced God’s provision and care in the past, and I know He will continue to care for me in the future.
My answer to those who ask is, “Wherever God leads me, that’s where I’ll go and what I’ll do.” I am confident in that answer because before Christ, I felt like there was no hope for my future. I was terrified of not knowing what lie ahead. I was afraid the future had nothing good in store.
With Christ, I refuse to worry. Just like God provided costly garments and jewelry to the woman in Ezekiel 16:9-14, so has God provided me with all I need, plus additional comforts. I am never left in need.
Whenever I look back on those three years of questioning my faith, I am amazed at what God has done in my life. He transformed me from someone who was inwardly timid to someone with confidence, joy and hope for whatever the future holds.
From what has God saved you? How have you experienced His transformational power in your life?
