This is Kelly Henley. An amazing woman I love and respect. Here's a beautiful perspective straight from her story. Let this bless you and stir you up.
Kelly:
I turned 34 the other day. My birthdays now mean something totally different to me. Now when I think about my age, I think, "I can't believe its only been seven years since I was saved." Or "Wow! I cant believe I've been sober four years." My life has changed so drastically since finding Jesus, that sometimes I forget how far and where I came from. A few weeks ago my bible study book asked me to read Psalm 23 and write down what memories are sparked. I'll write out verse 4 incase you don't know it, like I did not.
Psalm 23:4 Even though i walk through the darkest valley, i will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Ok. Simple enough, memories. Coolio, Gangsters Paradise. Really, Kelly? Thats it, that's all you got? I laughed at first. Then I saw what they meant, as the book gave examples of memories. I.E. Grandma singing it to you as a child or Sunday school lessons. And I started to feel upset or ashamed that I didn't have the normal "christian" memories. Then it hit me. NO, NO,NO. I don't want "normal" christian memories. I want mine. I want to be able to tell you in the middle of my years of drug addiction, alcoholism, promiscuity, low self esteem, daddy issues and rebellion. He found me. He pursued me. I pray my past will always be something I cherish. I pray I won't ever get too "christian".
The only thing that separates me from the person I was and who I am today is Jesus. I know why so many people seek out happiness and fulfillment in doing drugs, getting drunk and sleeping around. Something is missing in your life, for a few fleeting moments you feel whole, then your empty again. And your on to find the next thing to fill you up. I know because I lived it. I spent so many years trying to cover up how lost, unloved, unwanted and unneeded I felt. Then one day, seven years ago, everything changed. I found what I had been searching so long for. Jesus. I didn't quite get it at first, either. But I knew I wanted it. This love. This feeling that I was meant for something. That everything wasn't just random chance. I wanted more.
Even my addictive personality served me well here, because when I was first exposed to this unconditional love, I wanted more lots more. Its all I could think about. And I pursued Him. And oh did he deliver! It's only been seven years and I can't wait for the rest of my life! It has not all been great, but I now know, I am worth loving. I am needed, wanted, I was found. My life has purpose. I will forever be grateful to my past for allowing me to relate to others who may be where I was. And I know, because I lived it, that if you seek Him you will find Him. He is just waiting to show you the life He has for you. Its not easy, but it's worth every bit.
Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
by Kelly Henley
Wow! Wasn't that powerful yet uncomplicated!?! All you have to do is seek Him.
I want to invite you to intentionally pray and ask Jesus into your heart and life. It's so simple. All you must do is believe.
Prayer:
Jesus, I believe you are the son of God, sent to die in my place to pay the price for all sin and sickness. I ask you right now to come into my life. Fill my heart with your love. Cleanse my mind of all the pain and anxiety that has come with my poor choices. Forgive me for the many ways I miss the mark you have set for me. Take away my sin. Renew every part of me that needs renewing. Heal every broken place within me, especially my heart and mind. I believe you are who you say you are. I need a savior. Thank you for loving me first. Thank you for setting me free. I receive every thing you have for me, because you are a good and loving God. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen!
That's it! If you just prayed this for the first time, please tell someone! Message me and I would be honored to pray with you and answer any questions you may have and help you find a bible teaching church. Welcome home! I am so excited for you!
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