Testimony

So many of us have a testimony to give and have not yet given it. I know that I've told a few people but not many. God is Good and he hears and answers prayer. Here's my testimony:

Since I was a little girl, I knew that God was real. I knew I could pray to him and he will hear me. I knew that, in his time, he will answer it. I knew to pray to him for help. I'm sorry to say that it was the only time I prayed to him. When I needed help.

The choices I made in my life weren't very good. I still tear up sometimes knowing the things I've done. It's so easy to forgive someone else of wrong doing but it's so hard to forgive yourself. I know now my sins are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. I truely SEE now what it means for Jesus to have died for MY sins. And I know my God has forgiven me. Thank You Father.

Being rebellious, I left my home at the age of 17 and moved in with a highschool boyfriend. He lived at home with his family and his parents didn't really object to it. During the time we were together our relationship was rocky. I think from the beginning he let me know he was going to control me. For about 10 years I stood with him. Leaving him and going back to him. I was sad and would cry to God to make our relationship more loving. I would pray to God and ask for a change in him. That our relationship would be 50-50 not 0-100. Detail by detail, I would give in prayer. I would watch other relationships and cry that ours wasn't like that. Knowing that God hears my prayer, I watched and waited. I use to think I deserved what I was getting. I wasn't innocent at the time and neither was he. I use to think that it was all a punishment for my sins. I use to think my time will come when I'll be happy.

As time passed, I prayed a different prayer. Now I would pray for us to separate and be friends. Sounded impossible when I prayed for it, but I didn't want to fight anymore and it seemed like nothing was changing. His heart was hard and selfish. We weren't married and he didn't want to get married. I can visualize the day I prayed that prayer.

2 years passed and I found a job in an office setting. The relationship at that point was ending. We were both hurting each other, knowingly and unknowingly. I wasn't looking for an exit. Although, there was one. I always thought, why start a relationship with someone else if I can't finish it. Always knowing how many times I went back with him after I left him. I didn't think I would meet anyone that would love me and respect me. I was hurt too many times.

Soon I would meet someone who told me different. Without getting into detail of how I met this fellow. I just want to say God certainly answered my prayer. I met a person, who I believe, God chose for me. I prayed for Love, respect, compassion, understanding, submission, thoughtfulness, freedom, and everything else that a person would desire in a relationship. All that I prayed for was in this man. How I knew? This was MY knowing that it was God. We were having a conversation of our likes and he mentioned how he would PRAY! Who talks about prayer in those days or even now to someone they just met. My spirit jumped at those words. I became excited but still cautious. God was with me and he answered my prayers in his time. I asked and he answered. And do you want to hear something funny. God knows me so much that he also knew I liked Italians. I didn't know he was an Italian until later. And that was just the beginning of his Goodness.

I got out of the relationship of 10 years and moved on with a new. Separation wasn't easy. There was sorrow, lonliness, loss, fear, and a lot of struggle on both parts. My communication with my ex wasn't good. I was in fear. With this new fellow now by my side, I came to know God personally. After a while that we were together, he knew we needed some professional help. Our relationship was starting to crumble. Freedom to go where ever you please can be good if you know the right road to take. I had my freedom now and took advantage of it. The night life had me in it's web of lies and I was spiraling down fast. My fellow now knew the Lord personally and knew we needed to go to church. I was in agreement with him and went. Besides, that was also one of my prayers to God. A family that went to church.

We found a church we liked and started going. I started to read and find out things I never knew about God. Soon I was water baptized. Then became married. My night life was over, Thank God. It was one of my better choices I've made in my life. God was showering me with his love and mercy. Showing me his Goodness and answering my prayers. There was just one more prayer I was waiting for. For my ex and I to be friends.

In time, that prayer soon came to pass. Yes we are friends. It was a struggle and a long waiting period but God hears all prayers!!!!!!!!! He also softened his heart enough to befriend my husband. This is how Good God IS:

On Thanksgiving, him and his wife and son came and had dinner with us and then spent the night. He also took care of the boys for a weekend at our house so that my husband and I can go on a retreat. We also spent the night by his house and had enjoyed a day at the lake. God is Good and I can't say it enough. This is just a brief example of what God can do if we believe in him. May God's Loving Kindness be shown in my past, present, and future life experiences. May he get all the praises. For he is Worthy.

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Psalm 17:6
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.