Dear friend,
I'm really excited about your recent desire to know more about the One who made you. I'm super excited about your questions on what a life that desires a closeness to and a following of Christ requires.
Maybe this is off base but I might compare being a Christian to exercising or eating well. Both of these things are really good for you but aren't necessarily easy. They take practice, discipline, sacrifice and hard work. And as with leading a physically healthy lifestyle, leading a spiritually lifestyle has so many benefits. The type of benefits that show both outwardly and inwardly.
As you come to know Jesus (and you'll discover that He is AWESOME), you may encounter some obstacles known as friends and family. People who will ask you why you would serve a God who requires that you go to Church every Sunday, that you not drink for sport, and that you not engage in premarital sex. Likely you won't have the answers that will satisfy them - I don't. But you can tell them about a different kind of freedom. A life that frees you from the need to drink your face off, a life that is full of fellowship with other believers, and a life that has so much more richness than succumbing to the whim of every physical desire.
Of course there is also the enemy; Satan (aka the jerk of all jerks)(much jerkier than any ex). He will not be happy about your recent changes in heart (and soul!) Hey may try to run things a muck in your life. But you know you what the cool thing is? All you have to do is call on Jesus (Dear Jesus, Satan is really bugging me. Seriously can you please get him out of my face and out of my life? Protect me. Thanks. Amen.).
It is that simple. Having Jesus as a Saviour is more than just having the closest friend you've ever had. Having Jesus as a Saviour means having Him as a protector, a Father, provider, a love so strong it makes your heart full...just everything you could ever need. He is actually always there for you and always there with you. You don't need to wake Him up or turn Him on. He knows what is in your heart and in your head and loves it when you share that with Him.
I don't think I have the words to adequately describe all of the things Jesus is and can/will be. I will say that I wish my life was more of a testament to His amazingness. In many ways it is - those are the ways in which He continues to bless me. You know the things He has brought me through and that in no way should I be alive and typing this letter. But I am also human and keep deviating from the path He has set before me, and the rules He has graciously and like a parent made for me. Yet, even though I sin He loves me, He wants me to know Him and though I am dirty He keeps wiping me clean and loves spending time with me. Gah! So cool.
So friend, I hope you keep on journeying in the direction of Christ. If I can ever help just let me know.
Love and Hugs,
Laura
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