The Difference Jesus Makes

            For their confirmation, each student was asked to write a little bit about what difference it makes to believe in Jesus.  I share (with their permission) what they wrote:

            “To tell how much Jesus has affected my life is more than I can write on a page, but I might as well start from the beginning.  I was born on January 15, 2002, when God announced me one of his children then, and even before that.  Jesus had also already said I was part of his life and when I was baptized he became part of mine.  I am so thankful that he is part of my life, because I really don’t know what I would do without him.  Jesus has taught me how to love and be kind, and I know he will teach me so many more wonderful things tomorrow and the days after.  He picks me up when I fall down and continues to love me even when I make a mistake.  I also like to say he has a love bond with each person that is too strong to break.

            When I see people who are sad or angry I always try and make it my goal to spread the light of Jesus to them, because I know when I’m sad or angry just knowing that Jesus is with me puts a smile on my face.  I remember watching the Bible series on the History Channel, and when it came to the part when Jesus was being nailed to the cross, I remember not being able to watch it, and I went into my parents’ room and cried.  I think it was because just knowing how much pain and suffering Jesus went through just so he could save me and all people showed me how much he loves me and everyone.

            One quote I like is “Jesus never said it would be easy but he said it will be worth it,” based on Matthew 7:13-14.  I like it because sometimes times are rough, but in the end the sun is going to shine, like how there is a rainbow after a storm.  Because for us to get to where God wants us may be a bumpy road, but when we get there it will be so amazing knowing what we have accomplished so far, and are able to continue on another one of God’s plans for us.

            Even though I’m being confirmed, it doesn’t mean I’m done learning because I don’t know everything, but I do know that this is just the beginning and the start of my journey to find out what God’s plan is for me, and I am happy to say that I know Jesus will be with me each step of the way.”  -- Madison J.

            “How do I know my life is different compared to someone who doesn’t believe in God? – Well when I thought about that at first I wasn’t sure because I never thought about that before and I did not know how to put it, and then I realized that I do know.  I know because I know God is always there for me.  I know because I pray every day.  I know God will forgive my sins, and to be honest, I have sinned before and I did feel badly about it, but I know there is always forgiveness in God and Jesus.

            Compared to someone who does not believe in God or does not have a religion, I don’t have to think twice about my religion because I know that God is real and when I go to heaven I will meet him.  I have a friend who does not follow a religion, and she doesn’t know if she’ll go to heaven or not.  But I know God’s leading me into a right path, so I don’t ever have to worry where I end up as I get older.  I don’t have to question my life or why I am here.  The same friend asked me, but how do you know He’s with you, and I replied that I just do.  I have heard him calling to me in the middle of the night, and then from that day on I knew for sure he was with me.  So I know my life is different because I know that God is with me, and I never have to live in fear because he always will be.  It’s like 2 Corinthians 5:7 ‘I will walk by faith even when I cannot see.’  Thank you.”    -- Elizabeth M.

In Christ,

Pastor Lynne Hutchison