He Set Me FREE

Tonight is a mile marker for me. 15 years ago my life was radically changed. I was so very lost, and that night I found my savior, Jesus.

I had been to the alter many times and attended church off and on over the first 25 years of my life. However, there was never relationship there. No life.

Up to the moment 15 years ago, I had only two significant encounters with God that I can remember. The first encounter was my first trip to the alter. I was about 5 or 6 years old. My mom had sent me to church on the bus that came around on Sundays. It was there at First Church of The Nazarene, I gave my heart to God. Unfortunately, mine was not a christian home, so the only spiritual teaching I got came from attending FCTN & other churches with a similar bus ministry.

The second real encounter I had with God was when I returned home and started going back to church about 3 months pregnant at the age of 24. I went to the alter in a First Baptist Church I had attended briefly, before running face first back to a life of sin and depravity. I don't remember the sermon, but I know I was desperate for God to help me.

Though it was a step to a normal alter/platform, I wept almost uncontrollably at the feet of Jesus. Not just metaphorically. I could see him for the first time. He was hanging on the cross above me, drenched in blood, and looking down at me. He was not angry or in pain. He looked at me with love and compassion. He just loved me from there. I can still see him, and no movie can capture that image.

Just a few months later, I was a new mom. Frightened and still very lost, I returned to the alter at a revival meeting the week of Mardi Gras, 1995. I said the sinners prayers again and this time something happened. I followed the crowd to a room where people talk and pray for you individually. I was told some months later that it was as though I was in a box, and couldn't see my way out.

God is not in a box. At one time He allowed Himself to inhabit The Temple and the Ark of the Covenant, but He does not LIVE in our parameters. He did not crawl into my smallness and fear, but held out His hand and led me out of confusion and misery. Because of His extraordinary love for me, my life was not only saved, but transformed.

Jesus saved my life. He continues to deliver and set me free and I can't imagine what my life would be without Him.

"Thank You Lord for saving my soul. Thank You Lord for making me whole. Thank You Lord for giving to me, my life abundant so rich and FREE!"