Freely Speaking with Sharee

One of my earliest memories is of my parents reading the Bible, praying, and singing hymns. As I reminisce about my faith-filled family, I recall dressing up for church on Sunday, attending Sunday School, and learning about Jesus. Since my beginning, and spanning 53 years of life on earth, my faith in God has been a strong foundation.

For many years, I heard stories about how believers were to live as followers of Christ, and I knew about Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection. I sang songs about His love and grace. My parents’ faith and church experience helped fill my head with knowledge. Yet, I did not have a personal and intimate relationship with Christ. I was yet to invite Him into my heart to be my Lord and Savior.

At age twelve, while attending a youth service with a cousin, the pastor shared the story of Creation and read Ephesians 1:4 (NIV), "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight."

My heart skipped a beat - the God of the universe thought of me before Creation, long before I took my first breath! He did not choose me because I was already a believer and doing everything right. He knew I would make mistakes, choose my way, and sin. Yet, before time began, God saw me as holy and blameless and desired a relationship with me! I was already in Christ and belonged to Him.

As the pastor concluded his message, those who desired to follow Jesus came forward. I was compelled to stand and move.

At that moment, my relationship with Jesus changed. While my parents established a faith foundation, I had to choose to follow Jesus all the days of my life. Such a decision ushered me into a personal and life-changing relationship with God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

What a beautiful expression of love to know God freely chooses us! How could we not choose Him?

Friend, God chose you and is still choosing you today. Will you say, “Yes?”