There comes a time in everyone’s life when it’s time to
make a change, make a commitment, and move forward. For some, this happens at a
young age; others may not reach this until later in their life. For me, I was
19.
From the time I was six, I’d been searching for the ways
of the world. I would ask questions, do research and still couldn’t come up
with an answer. I knew where I should be. I watched others make this commitment
many times throughout my life. Everyone had their stories about being 9 or 12
or 40 when they made this decision and I remember thinking to myself one
Sunday, Emily, you will NOT be the 19
year old who gets saved. Why 19? I have no idea.
When I was sixteen, I hit a low point in my life and
began searching hard again for the answers to all of life’s questions. It’s
taken me three years, but I finally realized what I needed to do. I couldn’t
take life all by myself anymore. I’ve believed in God and Jesus for as long as
I can remember. I’ve had many a religious discussion with friends and very few people
actually knew I hadn’t completely surrendered myself to Christ.
You know, everything happens for a reason. Things pile
up, stress becomes too much and finally, we break. I finally broke. And, it’s
about time.
After talking and praying with my pastor, I finally
committed my life to God. Jesus saved me right then and there in the tiny
college chapel. I know I can’t do this on my own anymore and, quite frankly, I
don’t want to.
So, now, when I get overwhelmed and feel as though I can’t
handle the stress of life anymore, I know there is someone who is always there
to pick me up and hold me. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time and,
although things aren’t necessarily going right, I’m finding the brighter side
to life. Life is so much easier when you aren’t carrying the world by yourself.
I’m so thankful and blessed to have so many people in my
life that have lead the way for me through the years. It's funny how God works. If it hadn't been for a very close friend during a 3 hour car ride, I probably would still be wandering alone. Apparently God knew the only way I’d have the talk was if
I was stuck within the confines of the tiny vehicle. For two months, this
conversation nagged at me. I will never be able to explain to this friend how
much I appreciate her. She helped save my life.
So, to those who think life will only ever get worse, I’m
here to tell you there is so much more. You really can’t do it all by yourself,
no matter how stubborn you may be. Follow your heart, follow the Lord and live the life God has planned for you. Mine is already so much better than I could
have imagined.
God bless,
e.
Songs on my heart:
Changed by: Rascal Flatts
Here I am by: Downhere
