“I was guilty of idolatry”
Changed by Jesus #48
By Sandra Apling, Shoreline Campus
My struggles as a teenager never involved the law, drugs, alcohol, or school. My struggles primarily came from relationships with boys.
Broken
When I look back on the way I was living my life in my late teens, I realize now that I was guilty of idolatry in regards to boys and relationships. I lived this life for a while, allowing the guy in my life to be the center of my attention, focusing completely on him, and allowing my happiness to be based upon my relationship and how the guy viewed me and what he thought of me.
It was 2006 after an awful break up that I hit rock bottom. My parents didn’t recognize who I was emotionally and mentally, and they were desperately trying to figure out what had happened to their daughter and how to help me. At the time, I was suicidal, and I attempted taking my own life, but it wasn’t God’s will. And I am still here today.
Restored
After this had happened, I knew that I was still here for a reason, and I felt a desire in my heart to be involved in a church. But didn’t know which church to attend. The only time my family attended church was on the Christmas and Easter holidays.
In 2007, I reconnected with an old friend who was a Christian, and he referred me to Mars Hill. I tried Mars Hill out in June 2007 and that is when I met Jesus.
For the first four months, I attended the Sunday services on my own, because none of my friends wanted to go to church with me. But having to go alone didn’t stop me because I was eager and excited to hear about Jesus every Sunday.
Loved
The truth is that I did not choose. God chose me. When I was at my lowest low, God was with me. He literally saved me from myself and from my will and guided me towards his. He did not give up on me when I was ready to give up on myself, but instead, he loved me, embraced me, and led me to Mars Hill so that I would come to know him and his church. We love because he first loved us.
God has not only introduced me to his church, he has also shown me what Christian community really is. He has given me the desires and opportunities to serve, lead, and support others within the church and my community. I am continually growing in my faith and maturing in my relationship with Christ, and I thank my Lord and Savior for the new life that he has given me.
What’s Your Story?
