I am a young female in college. I have had many definite experiences of the Lord in my life. It started off when I was young, and I continue to realize what a huge blessing that was. Both my parents were believers, but only my mother was actively participating in Christian fellowship. Therefore, I was raised in a sometimes conflicting situation. However, I learned the truths of the Bible at a young age, and the Lord was merciful to give me an open heart and eyes to receive them.

Growing up was difficult, as I often yearned for companions who shared the same views and values I did. Even if I were surrounded by people and “friends,” I never felt comfortable or at home; therefore, my middle and high school years were often fraught with loneliness and discouragement. Although I had experienced the Lord, I still sought for other things to make me happy. In school, I was constantly striving to accomplish and to become the best. This never happened; there was always something that could be better.

At the same time as I would read about the Lord and what He desired to be to us, I would put that aside and go on with my daily affairs. What was lacking was the reality of what I read.

High school was an especially difficult time for me. I was caught in a viscious cycle of studying and balancing extra-curricular activities, while trying to maintain a peaceful existence. Needless to say, it didn’t happen. I may have been successful from the outside, but I couldn’t see nor accept it. Eventually, things started falling apart. By the end of my sophomore year, I felt like I was “burning out.” Along with this came a slew of depressive thoughts and behaviors which made me reconsider my life. By my senior year in high school, I had to make some definite decisions. I thank the Lord that He used this opportunity to gain more of me. I started to experience Him more and to have more enjoyment of Him. I really experienced Him as my Savior. And little by little, I am learning to give up all to Him. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxiety on Him, for it matters to Him concerning you.” I felt so privileged to know such a Lord. People in the same situation might have been desperate or hopeless, but I had a real hope within me—the Hope of Glory! In everything, the Lord desires to gain us. Giving Him the first place issues in great blessing.

Now the Lord has given me numerous Christian friends with whom I can fellowship, and this has been a saving grace. One of the most significant parts of my life was meeting with the local church. A hymn states, “Meeting with the saints is the greatest joy on earth.” This is God’s desire—to have a corporate expression of Himself. And this helps me go on in my personal experience with the Lord.

Philippians 3:14 “I pursue toward the goal for the prize to which God in Christ Jesus has called me upward.”

Anonymous

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