Hello there!
Growing up, I was a curious kid. I was born into a core Hindu family where everything can be considered to be a god. Literally speaking, Hinduism believe in 3 crore goddesses. So I believed and grew up thinking that all gods are equal. I used to visit temples a lot where a lot of god idols are there. But back of my mind I always had a doubt that which one is listening and which one is answering. I went to a Catholic school where my mom is a teacher. So I learnt how to pray basic prayer to a Christian God Jesus. Hurray! I have one more God added to my list now. So whenever I need something, like getting good grades, getting good gifts from my parents and if I need to find something that I lost before my mom finds out, I used to test these gods. So likewise, it was Jesus' turn in my trial. Magically, everything that I asked was answered. I was happy! So I continued to use Him like I wanted(silly wants). Its time for my SSC board exams. I wanted to be topper, so I asked my mom, how can I please God! So she asked me to fast till 3pm on Good Friday, like Catholics do. So I did and went to church on that day. I went just like I used to visit temples. But here, everything is different. People were repenting openly, crying out loudly saying "You died for our sins". I was shocked! Who is this God? He answers all my prayers, He died for all of us, unlike Hindu Gods! I felt guilty about my greedy nature. Then I cried too asking forgiveness for my silly tests. So that moment, I said to God, "Ok God, if you really are true God, I will be yours. Show me yourself and I wont look back on the idols." That's the turning point.
Next day, I went to my moms friend who is also a teacher, asking her "Aunty! I want to know Jesus. But I don't want to read that Bible which is in cryptic language(its like KJV version of telugu :D)" So she gave me a book named "Streams in the Deserts" a daily devotional. I took that book and read it everyday religiously during my 11th and 12th grades where I was in hostel. Meanwhile, when I went home for my holidays, I heard my mom crying seeing my Dad's reports. She was crying saying that my dad had a disease and he wont live long. I was listening from other room. I was depressed, shocked, lost, and what not! I don't want my dad to die. I did not let my emotions go. My mom didn't know that I knew this. So when I went back to my hostel, God really strengthened me giving a prayer partner who taught me how to pray earnestly. I prayed, fasted that my dad should get healed. But during this process, God convinced me that He will be my Father and I don't need an earthly father anymore. I took that promise and held it in my heart. My dad passed away during my Freshman year. I stayed strong beside my mom and my sisters because of His promise. He gave me a good church right beside my college. I got baptized in my Junior year at the same Regional Evangelical church. My family didn't like me getting baptized or going to church. But I was able to stay strong and do all thing through Christ who strengthened me.
He was and is my Father and I never lacked anything in my life. He is full of grace, mercy, love! I love my Father Jesus and I am a proud child of Him.
I found the Truth, and that truth set me free from my sin, shame, guilt.
Thanks for stopping by!
I hope you are encouraged.
Hanvitha
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