10 Questions

Sometimes, it is painful to remember what kind of person I used to be. As far as my husband and a few close friends can see, God has really changed me for the better. I realized that our lives are coloured through and through by books, music and movies, that it is often difficult to disentangle the things that we have truly learned from our own experiences. I often reflect about my past and invariably pray that my future will turn out to be what God has designed, for the Bible says that we are his 'workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God has prepared beforehand'. (Ephesians 2:10)

I think it is the perfect time to ask myself a few questions before the year 2014 comes to an end. All answers are based on my personal encounters. “Nothing ever becomes real 'til it is experienced," as John Keats would say.

Today's Note to Self

When I became a Christian, a good deal of what I had been thinking and doing all my life fell down like a house of cards. Motivated by a strong desire to serve God, today I write about one of the most important habits of a genuine believer.

Saved by Grace

ABOUT FOUR YEARS AGO, I didn't love God; I didn't even know God. I didn't think much of Him because I didn't know he was real. I thought I was better off an atheist (thinking that 'cool' and intelligent people wouldn't believe in God). I didn't grow up among religious people so I didn't read the Bible either. And I thought religion was boring and corny. My habits and behaviour were often self-destructive. Then one day, I just got tired of all the worldly things I'd been doing and prayed to be free from constant stress, disappointments and frustration. I started a journal and wrote the exact words, "Dear God, will you please reveal yourself to me, because I don't even know who you are and I don't know HOW to love you. I could really use some genuine love right now and people say that only YOU can do that." It was the most peaceful thing I have experienced in my life because I slept like a baby that night, and God has been working in my life up to this point to give me the peace and joy that is a result of truly being reconciled with Him.