Michelle Collette
I am a walking testament to God’s infinite patience. I was born to a loving Christian family, and I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know about Christ. However, I had to be a lonely college student before turning to Jesus. It’s not that I didn’t feel called to make a commitment to Jesus earlier; I was just too self-conscious to make my feelings known. I think I was also afraid of missing out on “something” if I gave my life to Christ at an early age. Now I know I missed out on all kinds of things: peace, guidance, assurance of eternity in heaven...
As a child, I not only went to church, but I was involved in the youth group and choir. Eventually I went to college and stopped attending church regularly and became tangled in an unhealthy relationship. As this relationship and my other friendships disintegrated, I had no idea where to turn. I was too uncomfortable to talk with my parents, but I knew what some of their advice would be – “cast your cares on the Lord...” (Ps. 55:22a). So I dusted off my Bible and opened it randomly. I can’t explain how it is that the Word came alive, and I knew it was time to ask Christ to be my Savior.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” - Proverbs 3:5-6
What joy to turn to the only One who could give me peace! However, I still did not tell my parents. I knew there would be some disappointment that I was choosing not to join their denomination, and so I kept my new-found joy to myself until my non-believing boyfriend (now husband) asked me why I didn’t tell them. Now as a parent, I understand their unconditional joy in finding out that I was a child of God. God is so good – He patiently and continually draws me closer and continues to direct my path.
As a child, I not only went to church, but I was involved in the youth group and choir. Eventually I went to college and stopped attending church regularly and became tangled in an unhealthy relationship. As this relationship and my other friendships disintegrated, I had no idea where to turn. I was too uncomfortable to talk with my parents, but I knew what some of their advice would be – “cast your cares on the Lord...” (Ps. 55:22a). So I dusted off my Bible and opened it randomly. I can’t explain how it is that the Word came alive, and I knew it was time to ask Christ to be my Savior.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” - Proverbs 3:5-6
What joy to turn to the only One who could give me peace! However, I still did not tell my parents. I knew there would be some disappointment that I was choosing not to join their denomination, and so I kept my new-found joy to myself until my non-believing boyfriend (now husband) asked me why I didn’t tell them. Now as a parent, I understand their unconditional joy in finding out that I was a child of God. God is so good – He patiently and continually draws me closer and continues to direct my path.