Living the Journey

For many years I struggled with bitterness towards several people who had deeply offended my family. As a result, I had grown apathetic towards God and unconcerned for others. Conflicts often resulted because of my pride. Seeing the spiritual needs in my life, my parents encouraged me to take some time to seek the Lord on a Journey of the Heart.

As I flipped through the pages of the Journey manual, I didn’t think that I was guilty of any of the bad heart conditions that were explained in it. As the days went by, however, I became more and more convinced of just how sinful I had been. Not only did I have a prideful and murmuring heart towards God’s people, I also had an adulterous heart. Through salvation I had entered a covenant marriage relationship with Jesus Christ, but I had allowed other relationships to compete with my love for him. I had been expecting benefits from these relationships that only God could give, such as security, direction, and fulfillment in life. I had set this idol in my heart and depended more on it then I did on God.

I immediately asked God for forgiveness. I gave Him my competing affections so that nothing could take my attention from Him again. I confessed everything to my parents. The hardest thing was asking forgiveness of those whom I had been bitter toward and verbally blessing them. For the first time I felt a joy and love towards them. My relationship with God has been completely restored!

Now I have completely surrendered my heart, soul, mind and strength to God’s will. I will not let any competing affection come between me and Him. I will delight in Him and Him alone.

~ Natalie

 Email This Post

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 28th, 2009 at 7:48 pm and is filed under Journey Testimonies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.