“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” ~ Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV – emphasis mine)
So, the Lord has been tugging on my heart since Wednesday night. Lea read my testimony, which was written almost 2 years ago. She left a kind comment, so I read my testimony over again – tears where just rolling down my face. No, not my story made me weep, but His incredible grace. How He, the almighty God, could love someone like me – take me back after years of wandering aimlessly…
As I said, He has been tugging my heart to republish my testimony. I have been arguing with Him – “It is old stuff – all who know me – read my blog – know my testimony”…This morning the tugging got stronger…”Republish it – someone needs to read it today”…So, if you are the someone who by any chance needs to read my story; here it is:
“Once upon a time, there was little girl that was born to two wonderful people. Peter and Kim loved this little girl very much. She was their pride and joy…
Really, God truly blessed me with wonderful parents. Although they did have their fair share on disagreements during their marriage — they put God at the center and that helped even through the rough times. My parents raised us girls knowing God — church on Sunday, Sunday School, confirmation classes – the whole nine yards. I was very active until I was about 18. Youth-group, summer-camps…It was great. Than more and more I distanced myself from the church. It was no fun hearing every Sunday how much I sinned! There was not much Gospel message involved – believe me. I still went to church — once-in-a-blue-moon. But the biggest problem was that I also was distance from God. Why would I need Him? I was doing well, on-my-own – thank you very much.
Than my dad got really sick; my Sweetheart couldn’t find work in Germany after he left the army…I was holding together the best I could. When completely desperate I would send up a prayer…Did I listen for an answer? No – of course not. Than the biggest decision had to be made. Are we staying in Germany? Are we going to move to the US? My dad (once again) was the driving force. He said: “Your life is already planned ~ don’t refuse to follow”…Yeah, okay dad – you are sick, you will miss Daniel a whole bunch and you are telling us that we need to go??? That was in 1990…Well, we moved and dad died a month after we moved to the States in February of 1991 – and by this time – I was not very happy with God…
Fast-forward…the first years after my dad’s death were hard for me, because he was the best encourager someone could ever have. Did I ever think about picking up my Bible during that time? – Nope!!!! I enjoyed my pity-party. Another fast forward…1995 my Sweetheart wanted to go back to school, I wasn’t able to control our son…here I was again – trying to hold it together. Someone from work invited my to attend church with her on Christmas Eve….I went and the rest is ‘history’…Not really. But God really got a hold of me than. He got my attention big time. He welcomed me back home…no questions asked. He took me in His arms and was glad to see me. Not a “I told you so”, no “What in the world were you doing?”…Just a simple: “Welcome home, little girl”…”
Yes – His grace is amazing – He is waiting for you to come home….Do you have your own testimony? Let me know in my comments – I love to read about His grace in your life…
I’m so glad you republished your testimony it really caused me to tear up. I too am always amazed by his grace, by the fact that when we stray he always has his arms open wide to welcome us back home. It was nice to read a little about your dad he sounds like he was a man of great wisdom. He reminds me a bit of my mom. Thanks again for sharing this today Iris.
I am so blessed that you republished your precious testimony my friend. God is so wonderful.
You know sweet friend, I pretty much knew all this except I never sat and READ it all. It is a WONDERFUL testimony of God’s grace and love. Many times I don’t think about it, because if I do I end up bawling my head off. God is TOO good to me, giving me so much more than I deserve.
Thank you for republishing yours. Makes me wonder if I should do the same. It has been a long time, and many readers ago that I did. Hmmm.
That’s a great idea to re-publish it. I am a new-ish blogger and I have never read your testimony, so it was new to me. Testimonies help us to know eachother so much better, because we get to see inside of a person.
Thank you for sharing your heart. Someday I will do the same on my blog. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your testimony..wonderful grace of God indeed! I’m amazed how our God never runs out of love for us. I wanna do the same on my blog someday but I am not a good writer, well If God asked me to write and publish it too,who am I not to obey?
God bless you!
It was a delight to read your testimony Iris. His grace shines through you. You are a blessing and encouragement to so many of us.
I know exactly why you cried when you read it again. It is because of HIS LOVE, MERCY and GRACE. We each have expereince it —the first time we knelt in prayer.
What an amazing testimony of His mercy. His love that does not give up. No MATTER what!
Oh, Iris, I am so very glad you listened…I have the honor and privilege of calling you “Sister”.
Iris, I am so thrilled that you followed God’s calling and re-published your testimony. It is a beautiful witnes of God’s amazing grace and mercy!
I pray you have a blessed week in the Lord!
Thanks for sharing your testimony… I do have my own, and your post has got me to thinking that maybe I need to share mine via my blog too…
But the reason I stopped by tonight was to let you know that you have received an award! Just stop by my blog to check it out! Thanks for your encouragement through your blog, and thanks for always hosting Thankful Thursday! God truly ministers thru you to many, many others!
Blessings!
Beautiful testimony, Iris. I love this line, “Welcome home, little girl” That sound so like the voice of the Father.
Thanks for sharing Iris! This was precious!
Iris (I know I’ve told you this before, but I love your name!), I can truly identify with losing a beloved father. My dad died in July 2004 after a long struggle with liver cancer, and I miss him dearly still. In fact, since we’re nearing the time he died, I find myself thinking about and dreaming about him more. My dad was also a wonderful encourager (as is my mom). Both of us were obviously blessed to have such men as fathers.
Beautiful story!
The testimony I like to share the most is found here:
http://hometown.aol.com/srmiller1988/missionaborted.html It is two parts. At the bottom of the page, you will find the link to part 2. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. God’s grace was simply amazing during that time!
Iris,even though it has been more than one year since I got to know you on net, it is really a new testimony for me. I am deeply touched by it, it makes me cry for the everlasting&unchangeable love from the Lord for free. I need this wonderful information very much, the Lord will guide me even though I could not know the direction, he knows, and there is not wrong in him. Just believe him.
It is sad but true, that when we are having the greatest crises we may forget from Whom our true strength comes. But He is faithful to keep reaching for us and receives us with such grace and love.