So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

~Romans 10:17 NKJV

The reason why I chose faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ was because within my spirit, this decision felt completely right.

The dictionary defines faith as a complete trust or confidence in someone or in something, or a strong belief in God or religious beliefs that are based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

The “something” part is easy. I put faith in a lot of things–my car starting, my washing machine turning on, and my alarm clock waking me. If they fail to perform, I run to the store, the mechanic, or a service professional. But faith in “someone?” That’s a whole new level of trust.

My parents did not raise me in church. I was not taught any kind of religion. If you asked me as a seven-year-old what church was, I’d scratch my head and reply I had no idea.

But that changed when I met a woman who had great faith.

Start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

~Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Mrs. Adams invited the neighborhood kids to her home. She called the group Missionettes. She taught us in a school-like setting where we made crafts, sang songs, and learned about God. The only time I heard that name was when my dad would yell it in a nasty way. But Mrs. Adams spoke the name of God in reverence.

I did not understand why, but I had an inner nudge that assured me I belonged in this place. Mrs. Adams taught us about God’s Son Jesus Christ. She taught us we could talk to God and Jesus anytime through prayer. I felt contentment and comfort I had never experienced. Then Mrs. Adams told us to have effective prayers, we needed to put our faith in God.

Faith? Complete trust or confidence in “Someone?” I wasn’t sure.

As a child growing up in an abusive home and surviving the hatred of my dad and the horrible things he did to me, I felt I could not put faith in anyone. The circumstances I was living in gave me no reason to want to believe. What reason did I have to put my faith in a God no one could prove existed and whom I could not even see?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

~Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Though I was hesitant, Mrs. Adams’s teachings inundated my mind. The words, “God loves you,” resonated in my heart. Finally, I decided to pray. I told God how scared I was about everything that was happening in my home. I told him how alone I felt. The more I prayed, the more my fears subsided. I asked God’s Son Jesus Christ to be my Savior.

The next day, I woke up with a smile on my face for the first time. Through my prayers and hearing Bible verses, the truth about God and Jesus Christ became real to me. I realized God is alive and that He truly did love me. I felt an inner peace I could not describe.

Sadly, Missionettes ended, but what I learned I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

~Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV

I put my faith in God for three reasons: God loved me when others would not. He was there for me. He gave me something no one else offered; peace, comfort, and joy.

Before putting faith in God, my life was terrifying, but after my faith-experience, I had a reason to live. Over time, I have gotten to know God in a relational way, and my faith has grown tremendously. His promises are true, and they are for you as much as they are for me.

Take that step of faith and put your trust Him today.

God sent His only Son Jesus to die on a cross and take the penalty of our sins which is death. Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit and conceived by Mary, so He was the perfect God-Man. This qualified Him to take the penalty of our sins which is death. He willingly died on the cross to take your sins and mine, and now He is alive, having risen from the dead. He is coming again to take us to heaven to live with Him. Our job here is to trust Him to be our Savior, and in that way, we will have an abundant, content life here on Earth and the promise of eternal life in heaven with Him.

Has your belief system stayed the same as in childhood, or changed?

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are here for me. I choose to put my faith in You and I accept Your Son Jesus Christ as my Savior. Help me to trust You and to believe the promises I read in my Bible.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2020: Why Choose Faith in God?: Sandra Stein: All Rights Reserved