Going to church and being about God wasn't really something that I could ever get into when I was younger. I don't know what it was, I just wasn't ready to take on such a big responsibility like following God. And I am thankful that I didn't take on such a big task at the time because being religious is a vital part of who I am today.
It wasn't until college when I was struggling with something that I couldn't even formulate into words. It was a hard time, being away from home, piles of homework that would never diminish, and my mental health wearing thin. I struggled to grasp what I needed to do to find a change. That's when God spoke to me and at the time I had no idea that it was Him. I felt this sudden urge to attend a service with a few friends that I knew went every Sunday.
The moment I walked through the doors of this contemporary church something just clicked. Service began and a light turned on and was shining so brightly. I had this odd feeling that I was home and I didn't mind that I was so wildly out of my comfort zone. I knew that I was safe, right where I was and I was always going to feel that way under that roof. This unknowing weight was lifted off my chest because I had finally found what was missing. It was God.
I knew probably after about two or three services that I wanted to take the next step. I wanted to profess my love for God. I wanted to get baptized, for the first time while I was in college. At first, I thought this was such a childish thought, but I slowly learned that it was my only next step. It didn't matter at what age I decided that I was ready to take on this journey, what mattered was that I was beginning the journey.
The day finally came where I would step into the water and be raised to new life again. I wasn't nervous, I was just ready to begin this new life. The feeling of rising from the water is something that I will never forget. I wanted to cry, smile, cheer, and laugh all at the same time. I was so proud of myself for allowing God to be a part of my life.
God had a stirring in my heart way before I knew it. But looking back on it, it was obvious that He had always been there, waiting for me. And He was there when I was finally ready to let him into my life.
"I will rise, stand redeemed. Heaven open over me."- Jesus I Come, Elevation Worship