My Story

This Advent season, we have had several people won to Christ in our worship services. It has been incredible to hear the stories and to see the transformation in people's lives. One girl even wrote out her testimony and sent it to me last week. It touched my life as I read it, and read about the power of Christ in her life. As I've thought about it, I have been reminded of the grace that God has bestowed upon me. I have reflected on the day that I accepted Jesus. I would like to share my story with you.

I grew up here at First Baptist Church Arlington. When I was three, I sang the song, "I Am A Promise." I still remember the words, "I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentiality. And if you listen, you can hear God's voice. And if you're trying, He'll help you make the right choice. 'Cause I'm a promise to be anything God wants me to be." What great lyrics to write on a little girl's heart. I've probably forgotten more than I can remember, but I have never forgotten those words and the TRUTH behind them.

At eight years old, I was sitting in Vacation Bible School. Dr. Wade was talking to us about Jesus. He told us how each of us were sinners and about how that sin resulted in brokenness and separation from God. He told us about Jesus. Jesus was God's Son and lived a perfect (sinless) life. Jesus died on the cross because He claimed to be the Messiah. He bore the penalty of death (the weight of our sin), and conquered death when He arose on the third day. He remained on the earth a short time, and then took His seat at the right-hand of God the Father until He will one day return. Jesus died for EVERY ONE of us. And Scripture tells us that if we confess with our mouths that 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God has raised from the dead, YOU will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NIV 1984)

I remember Dr. Wade gave an invitation for us to ask Jesus to come into our lives. I was so incredibly shy. I don't know what happened to the little girl who could stand on the steps and sing in front of everyone because this little eight year old was scared of her own shadow. But Dr. Wade extended the invitation. We sang, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." I remember every verse. I felt God tugging at my heart, and I stood frozen listening to the text of the song. Then, the song ended. I thought I had missed my chance. But Dr. Wade, sensitive to the Spirit as he was, said he felt like there was someone out there to whom Jesus was speaking. He said that he would pray a final prayer, and whoever that person was could just slip out the side door and meet him. I was that person! While he prayed, I quietly tiptoed past Mrs. Sondra Adair, and to the side door of the Sanctuary. I met Dr. Wade and Mrs. Waldrop and prayed to receive Christ that day. Jesus came to live in my heart, and my life will forever be changed.

My life has taken many twists and turns since then. I'd love to say that I've acted right every day since then. That would be a lie. But no matter what, I have NEVER DOUBTED the decision to FOLLOW JESUS. My faith has been tested, but never broken. I love the truth of the verse:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV1984) Christ is unbreakable.

As a matter of fact, looking at that 2 Corinthians passage just a few verses earlier, we have the reminder: v.6 For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Since eight years old, that light has never extinguished in my heart. I praise God today for the prayer I prayed almost thirty years ago. I praise God today for the hope that is found in Him. I praise God today for reconciliation. I praise God today for redemption. I praise God today for renewal.

My testimony is simple. But it is true. God made me His own, and I have been running the race ever since. I may have been lapped by others. I may have made a couple of wrong turns. I may have even fallen down a couple of times. But God, through His Son Jesus, lifted me up and even carried me when needed. He corrects my course daily as I seek Him. He surrounds me with people to lift me up, to hold me accountable and to love me.

What is your story? I'd love to hear it. Every believer has a story. Every story is unique.
Write me at emily.klophaus@fbca.org and tell me your story.