Danielle's 19th Birthday

Hello readers! Danielle here.

Ever feel like you are completely useless? Or frustrated because nothing you do is going right? I had one of those days, but God gave me a huge opportunity to explain my love for Jesus and why I have dedicated my life to Him. God decided to use me on one of my weakest moments to show that it is never something I say or do, it is always Him.

Friday, we had our R.I.O.T. youth drop in, which is a time for kids ages 11-18 to come and hang out, play some pool and ping pong, and be in a safe environment. At this drop in, Richie asked me to share my testimony. My first thought…. Oh boy.

I don’t like speaking in front of people to begin with, especially when it is personal. As I sat there starting to panic, I remembered John 16:33 which says, “In this world you will have many trials and tribulations, but fear not for I have overcome the world.” I knew I had no reason to fear because Jesus has ALREADY overcome the world! Along with that, the Taylor Swift song Fearless popped into my head (I believe Jesus can speak through Taylor Swift). I was ready. This public speaking thing is nothing!

A few hours later I sat in front of about 30 students and told them my story….

I told them that I grew up in a Christian home with two wonderful parents. When I was 12 years old, I understood, “It is by faith that we are saved through grace.” (Eph. 2:8)  I was a good kid. I went to school, got good grades, listened to my parents (unless you are my parents reading this, then you might beg to differ haha). But I was never going to be good ENOUGH!! I was sinful, yet Jesus loved me anyways and died on a cross to take the punishment for that sin. That is GRACEFUL. All I had to do was have faith in that.

So I had faith. But my life did not get easier, and the story continues on….

When I was 14 years old, my dad struggled with serious depression. He had a mental breakdown one night and unknowingly got in a shootout with a police officer. He spent four years in jail, and it was the hardest four years of my life. My family was torn apart, and I felt completely abandoned. I continually asked God, "What in the world are you doing?!" He simply said, trust Me. So I did.

I had to rely on God for everything! But He also provided everything. Once I truly let go and trusted Him, I found so much freedom! Trusting Christ is the greatest decision I EVER made! He seriously is the One True God who absolutely never abandons you.

Reader, I hope this made sense to you today. I hope that , just like me, you understand that Christ loves you and died for you. He took the punishment for your sin and offers salvation. Just ask him for it.

Thanks for reading J

Danielle