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My
Testimony Very few events occur in life where one could honestly say, “It just happened.” It doesn’t. Life is a composite of events, impressions, perceptions, and some truths that soon make up what we are and what we become. Unfortunately, because of this, few of us are capable of saying exactly when a particular seed was planted and began to grow. So, to ask me when or how I began to desire a walk with God is somewhat of a blur. It happened, and I am so thankful to God for putting that desire in my heart. It all started when I began attending roller skating socials at the local Baptist church as a Junior Higher. I didn’t respect those people who just went to the socials, so I began to attend church on Sundays via their bus ministry. I will admit, my attendance was much better prior to their skating socials, but I did begin to have a desire to be a part of this church. It wasn’t until high school that I gave my heart to the Lord. It was quite a step for me since my family did not go to church, but I felt it was right. I never really, fully understood this religion. Whenever they prayed, they would use catchwords like “Father,” “your son” and others. I never knew to whom I was supposed to pray, so my out was to pass whenever it was my turn to pray out loud! I knew some Apostolics from that church and it was not the lifestyle I wanted. I couldn’t imagine wearing dresses all the time and looking different! They went much farther in their walk with God than I thought was necessary. But, the seed that was planted long ago kept growing and pushing other desires out, so I decided to go to a special singing with the Doug Davis Trio. God touched me during this concert like I had never been touched before, so I went to the altar. I did not get the Holy Ghost, but I got enough of a dose that I could not forget it. The following week, I went to a cheerleading camp in Dallas and amidst all of these new stimuli, I could not forget the touch of the Lord. After coming home, I did not attend this new church, but I did attend the Baptist church. But then the Lord gave me a dream. In the dream, the rapture was taking place and I rose up to meet Him in the air, but He said, “I know you not.” I had never been as disturbed as I was that morning. I was ready to be baptized in Jesus name in the bathtub! So, on August 22, I got baptized in Jesus name and the next evening I received the Holy Ghost! It was incredible. I spoke in tongues all the way home and I had no idea what had really happened to me. I knew that God had done something incredible in my life, but I did not feel like he would require me to have all those unnecessary convictions that most Pentecostals had... It’s funny, I had every intention of being a Baptist who just happened to have the Holy Ghost and go to an Apostolic church, but God had other plans. Not one soul told me how I should dress, but I began to feel convicted every time I put on my jeans. I realized that I really did not need mascara. God (yes convictions are God-given and Bible-based) was working in me to become a vessel fit for His spirit. I completely changed within six months of receiving the Holy Ghost. God was doing a miraculous work in this stubborn heart. It wasn’t always easy. I quit cheerleading, I grew distant with my old friends, and I had to defend my Christian decisions to my parents. However, God gave me a desire to realize that seeking Him was the single most important action in my life. I even put my secular education on hold to follow his will at Bible School. I then graduated, taught in a Christian school in California, and, eventually, God provided me the opportunity to finish my secular education. There has been a lot of divergence from what I thought my life would be, but knowing God has been worth it. I now know that each of our experiences can be a stepping stone toward what God has in store for us. We just have to make sure that we are continually open to His will in our lives.
ninetyandnine.com ------------------ © Nita Curry Nita Curry lives in St. Louis has a Master’s Degree in History from the University of Missouri and is in her eighth year teaching College and Career Sunday School Class. She is currently heavily involved in a long-term sleep deprivation program under the guidance of Dr. Caleb Curry who is now 20 months. Have an opinion on an article? Let us know how you feel! Click feedback & fill us in. |
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