My testimony.

Roughsoul1991 · Feb 5, 2017

I grew up in and out of church as a kid. My parents did not find a church home until I was a teenager. I excepted Christ as a young child even though I loved the idea of Jesus I hadn't learned how to have a relationship with him. So over the years I was guided to do the right things but my relationship with God was weak. So many times I fell away as a child and only thought if I check in with God every now and then, God would be okay with me. So I grew up knowing good but rarely practiced it in a biblical way. I wasn't a bad child but just didn't know most of God's teachings other than what I had been told.

Fast forward to my teenage years and my parents found a church home. It felt home to them and me. So I began to love church and felt safe there. But I still lived for my self but with the knowing of what's right nagging me. I got really good at ignoring it and sometimes forgot about God.

It took very low spots to remind of God. I would seek forgiveness but guilt followed me.

But I kept learning how to follow God from church when I happened to go, from people who invested time in me and from God who always excepted my plead for forgiveness and showed me great love.

In high school I grew closer but I struggled with self terribly with all the temptations. I lied to myself believing oh I'll do this sin because Jesus probably won't return tomorrow. Each time my sin had immediate consequences or drawn out ones. I hurt myself bad 3 times from selfish reasons possibly could of ended in death if God had not protected me.

I started suffering from anxiety and panic attacks which confused me about God and why I had to suffer that way.

A few years later after graduation a car accident that hurt my back and left me depressed dealing with pain and anxiety.

God never left me in all this but he patiently was waiting for me to just call on him again for help. My life became a mess and I was heading way in the wrong direction. Every now and then I would pray God please don't give up on me, I will bring you glory one day.

Then one night driving home from night shift I heard God in my mind and heart speak these words to me. "Son are you going to follow me or not? You can not remain half in and half out. It's all in or nothing.

It hit me like nothing I had ever felt. I couldn't help but cry because I knew in my heart I had a choice and I needed to make it. So I cried out to God saying," Lord I can not continue down this path. You have always protected me even though I never deserved it. Please God help me do your will and I will forever follow you."

From then on the Holy spirit was even stronger. God gave me the ambition to read the Bible, go to church, seek elder counselling, and pray. No it was never easy, I still had many days I was too lazy to do his will.
But I couldn't stay away long, I always remember that night driving home.

My life has its ups and downs. But now with Christ my ups are included with worship and praise and my downs are included with Joy and peace of mind knowing God will always be with me.

I am still tempted everyday to do wrong but everyday I become better at saying no to temptation. I no longer live in guilt but ask forgiveness and I know Jesus died for my sins and through my belief in him I was reminded I no longer needed to stay in guilt.

I do not regret where I have been. I focus on the now and prepare for the future. Using the past to dictate my actions in the present. I will continue to grow, learn, and to keep my eyes on Jesus.

Blain · Feb 5, 2017

Absolutely amazing testimony

A perfect example of God's patience for the lost. You know I liked how you said you do not regret where you have been, i often times asked myself if I could go back and redo it all and not make the same mistakes I did would I do it considering it was those mistakes that made me who I am?

Roughsoul1991 · Feb 5, 2017

Blain said:

[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Daniel 11:35

[FONT=&quot]"Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.[/FONT][/FONT]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]Daniel 12:10

[FONT=&quot]"Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

Our mistakes refined us into a redefined pure of heart follower of God. We was wise to acknowledge our wrong doing. But no without our mistakes we would be perfect with nothing to learn. There is always a chance to spread the gospel, even as a inmate in prison. God has plan to use our mistakes for his good if we are wise to acknowledge we need God to help guide us.[/FONT][/FONT]
[/FONT]

Magdaleana · Mar 4, 2020

What a beautiful testimony. God is patient, and loving, and pulls us off the road to destruction. Thank you Lord!

Gabzie · Apr 9, 2020

Roughsoul1991 said:

I grew up in and out of church as a kid. My parents did not find a church home until I was a teenager. I excepted Christ as a young child even though I loved the idea of Jesus I hadn't learned how to have a relationship with him. So over the years I was guided to do the right things but my relationship with God was weak. So many times I fell away as a child and only thought if I check in with God every now and then, God would be okay with me. So I grew up knowing good but rarely practiced it in a biblical way. I wasn't a bad child but just didn't know most of God's teachings other than what I had been told.

Fast forward to my teenage years and my parents found a church home. It felt home to them and me. So I began to love church and felt safe there. But I still lived for my self but with the knowing of what's right nagging me. I got really good at ignoring it and sometimes forgot about God.

It took very low spots to remind of God. I would seek forgiveness but guilt followed me.

But I kept learning how to follow God from church when I happened to go, from people who invested time in me and from God who always excepted my plead for forgiveness and showed me great love.

In high school I grew closer but I struggled with self terribly with all the temptations. I lied to myself believing oh I'll do this sin because Jesus probably won't return tomorrow. Each time my sin had immediate consequences or drawn out ones. I hurt myself bad 3 times from selfish reasons possibly could of ended in death if God had not protected me.

I started suffering from anxiety and panic attacks which confused me about God and why I had to suffer that way.

A few years later after graduation a car accident that hurt my back and left me depressed dealing with pain and anxiety.

God never left me in all this but he patiently was waiting for me to just call on him again for help. My life became a mess and I was heading way in the wrong direction. Every now and then I would pray God please don't give up on me, I will bring you glory one day.

Then one night driving home from night shift I heard God in my mind and heart speak these words to me. "Son are you going to follow me or not? You can not remain half in and half out. It's all in or nothing.

It hit me like nothing I had ever felt. I couldn't help but cry because I knew in my heart I had a choice and I needed to make it. So I cried out to God saying," Lord I can not continue down this path. You have always protected me even though I never deserved it. Please God help me do your will and I will forever follow you."

From then on the Holy spirit was even stronger. God gave me the ambition to read the Bible, go to church, seek elder counselling, and pray. No it was never easy, I still had many days I was too lazy to do his will.
But I couldn't stay away long, I always remember that night driving home.

My life has its ups and downs. But now with Christ my ups are included with worship and praise and my downs are included with Joy and peace of mind knowing God will always be with me.

I am still tempted everyday to do wrong but everyday I become better at saying no to temptation. I no longer live in guilt but ask forgiveness and I know Jesus died for my sins and through my belief in him I was reminded I no longer needed to stay in guilt.

I do not regret where I have been. I focus on the now and prepare for the future. Using the past to dictate my actions in the present. I will continue to grow, learn, and to keep my eyes on Jesus.

Thank you for sharing your testimony x this is so beautiful

Roughsoul1991 · Apr 9, 2020

Gabzie said:

Christ does have a way of making something rough and rugged valuable. Thank God for His grace, love, and forgiveness.

LiveLoveLaughWithTheLord · Apr 19, 2020

Thanks for sharing your testimony with me. I have a story, also. One that only The Lord could be given credit for.

tourist · Apr 19, 2020

LiveLoveLaughWithTheLord said:

Everyone on this site has a story. I am glad that you have given the Lord credit for yours.

Reformyourself · May 6, 2020

I regret my mistakes (sins). 😔

Magenta · May 6, 2020

Reformyourself said:

You are uniquely positioned to help those who currently struggle with what you have been delivered from

Reformyourself · May 7, 2020

Magenta said:

Alcohol:
I was always told that I had a ‘drink problem’, but when I stopped, I realised that it wasn’t my biggest issue. I had believed other people’s lies about me.
Fornication:
in my case, The Lord made it revolting to me. It was something I was addicted to for 40 years. I did everything I could to stop myself, and failed many times. I believe that we have to at least try to stop, but in my case, the desire needed to be dealt with. He dealt with that. Halleluia ✝️

Bingo · May 9, 2020

Reformyourself said:

Alcohol:
I was always told that I had a ‘drink problem’, but when I stopped, I realised that it wasn’t my biggest issue. I had believed other people’s lies about me.
Fornication:
in my case, The Lord made it revolting to me. It was something I was addicted to for 40 years. I did everything I could to stop myself, and failed many times. I believe that we have to at least try to stop, but in my case, the desire needed to be dealt with. He dealt with that. Halleluia ✝️

"Thank you and @Magenta for sharing!"
'Praise God'

Gregoryp · Jun 12, 2020

thanks for sharing that, not to dissimilar to my journey!

GodFoundMe · Jun 27, 2020

Thank you for sharing your testimony Roughsoul1991. God knows why He does things. Apparently you posted this a while ago and I could’ve just as easily not clicked on the link in your signature, but here we are.

I grew up Catholic and not knowing much other than what I heard at church on Sundays. I was generally “good” by the world’s standards, though ignorant and we know only God is good. And it was definitely a weaker relationship before. You could say that yes, in moments it’s easy to forget God and I’m not immune. Low spots can bring us closer to Him, though they shouldn’t have to. Meaning we should already be close, not just in life’s rough spots, but we aren’t always where we should be when those times come.

We often ask why, but sin also has consequences. And God in his mercy is gracious enough to have the patience to wait for many of us, thankfully. Many times even in spite of ourselves. At various points in my life, I too have often prayed for God to have patience and not give up on me. God definitely watches over us even though we don’t deserve it. The hard part is that He wants us to be “all in.” I don’t think we can do that without the help of the Spirit, but it’s up to us to make that choice. To ask Him to help us.

Yes, God also gave me the desire to read the Bible and try to live out a life that is more devoted to Him. I didn’t have those desires before. No, it’s not always easy. The war between the flesh and the Spirit Paul talks about is real. Two conflicting desires and we don’t always choose correctly.

You said, “My life has its ups and downs. But now with Christ my ups are included with worship and praise and my downs are included with Joy and peace of mind knowing God will always be with me.”

Exactly. That is the difference from before to now. We are not alone and know God is there. That brings a sense of peace and hope that otherwise wouldn’t be there in life’s lows.

And that’s exactly what I think about guilt. We may feel it but we don’t have to “stay” or remain stuck in it. It is necessary because it can help bring us to repentance. We can’t repent for something we don’t feel guilty or bad about. We would think there’s nothing wrong and that may be a sign of either ignorance or worse, of a seared conscience.

You said, “I do not regret where I have been. I focus on the now and prepare for the future. Using the past to dictate my actions in the present. I will continue to grow, learn, and to keep my eyes on Jesus.”

Exactly! Just like you can’t stay stuck in guilt, you can’t spend your life regretting and wishing away things in the past. I think it’s okay to have regrets, but it’s not good to stay “stuck” in them. “I should have XYZ.” You can’t change the past, but you can do something about the future. Like you said, focus on the present and prepare for the future. We learn from our mistakes and everything makes us into the person we are in the present. Though flawed, I too will continue to learn and grow in Christ.

Roughsoul1991 · Jun 27, 2020

GodFoundMe said:

Thank you for sharing your testimony Roughsoul1991. God knows why He does things. Apparently you posted this a while ago and I could’ve just as easily not clicked on the link in your signature, but here we are.

I grew up Catholic and not knowing much other than what I heard at church on Sundays. I was generally “good” by the world’s standards, though ignorant and we know only God is good. And it was definitely a weaker relationship before. You could say that yes, in moments it’s easy to forget God and I’m not immune. Low spots can bring us closer to Him, though they shouldn’t have to. Meaning we should already be close, not just in life’s rough spots, but we aren’t always where we should be when those times come.

We often ask why, but sin also has consequences. And God in his mercy is gracious enough to have the patience to wait for many of us, thankfully. Many times even in spite of ourselves. At various points in my life, I too have often prayed for God to have patience and not give up on me. God definitely watches over us even though we don’t deserve it. The hard part is that He wants us to be “all in.” I don’t think we can do that without the help of the Spirit, but it’s up to us to make that choice. To ask Him to help us.

Yes, God also gave me the desire to read the Bible and try to live out a life that is more devoted to Him. I didn’t have those desires before. No, it’s not always easy. The war between the flesh and the Spirit Paul talks about is real. Two conflicting desires and we don’t always choose correctly.

You said, “My life has its ups and downs. But now with Christ my ups are included with worship and praise and my downs are included with Joy and peace of mind knowing God will always be with me.”

Exactly. That is the difference from before to now. We are not alone and know God is there. That brings a sense of peace and hope that otherwise wouldn’t be there in life’s lows.

And that’s exactly what I think about guilt. We may feel it but we don’t have to “stay” or remain stuck in it. It is necessary because it can help bring us to repentance. We can’t repent for something we don’t feel guilty or bad about. We would think there’s nothing wrong and that may be a sign of either ignorance or worse, of a seared conscience.

You said, “I do not regret where I have been. I focus on the now and prepare for the future. Using the past to dictate my actions in the present. I will continue to grow, learn, and to keep my eyes on Jesus.”

Exactly! Just like you can’t stay stuck in guilt, you can’t spend your life regretting and wishing away things in the past. I think it’s okay to have regrets, but it’s not good to stay “stuck” in them. “I should have XYZ.” You can’t change the past, but you can do something about the future. Like you said, focus on the present and prepare for the future. We learn from our mistakes and everything makes us into the person we are in the present. Though flawed, I too will continue to learn and grow in Christ.

Thank you for your input and personal experience. It sounds very similar to mine and yes I wrote this back in 2017 on a reflection of even a earlier moment in my life. But it is always the reminder that I often need to destroy the guilt, shame, and idea of failure that satan sometimes tries to distract me and isolate me in.

GodFoundMe · Jun 29, 2020

Sure. I think it’s always nice when you find you’re not the only one and that other people have had similar experiences. I also look back on my own writing, often not even remembering what I had said, and find it still applies to myself as well. Reminding or advising me at new points in my walk. Even one of my poems (can’t remember which one nor if it’s one I posted as I don’t post them all) ended by saying something like “you think I’m talking to you? I’m really talking to me.” Yes, Satan does know where our weak points are and how to attack. Guilt, shame, and “failure,” or the idea of it or fear of it, truly are isolators. It’s definitely been the case in my life. But if God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, then we can combat it with the Spirit

Graceguy · Feb 4, 2021

GodFoundMe said:

Ya , What a deeply moving and personal testimony . Thank you for sharing. I , and millions of others can relate to your story . I just thank God for His GRACE !! In His truth we can all find favor.

mindfulzen · Aug 30, 2021

Read your post on joy and trials, for some reason I opened your testimony. Good stuff, I agree very much with that other post. Thank you for sharing. I will read your into the storm post now.

LuvofChrist · Sep 22, 2021

Roughsoul1991 said:

I grew up in and out of church as a kid. My parents did not find a church home until I was a teenager. I excepted Christ as a young child even though I loved the idea of Jesus I hadn't learned how to have a relationship with him. So over the years I was guided to do the right things but my relationship with God was weak. So many times I fell away as a child and only thought if I check in with God every now and then, God would be okay with me. So I grew up knowing good but rarely practiced it in a biblical way. I wasn't a bad child but just didn't know most of God's teachings other than what I had been told.

Fast forward to my teenage years and my parents found a church home. It felt home to them and me. So I began to love church and felt safe there. But I still lived for my self but with the knowing of what's right nagging me. I got really good at ignoring it and sometimes forgot about God.

It took very low spots to remind of God. I would seek forgiveness but guilt followed me.

But I kept learning how to follow God from church when I happened to go, from people who invested time in me and from God who always excepted my plead for forgiveness and showed me great love.

In high school I grew closer but I struggled with self terribly with all the temptations. I lied to myself believing oh I'll do this sin because Jesus probably won't return tomorrow. Each time my sin had immediate consequences or drawn out ones. I hurt myself bad 3 times from selfish reasons possibly could of ended in death if God had not protected me.

I started suffering from anxiety and panic attacks which confused me about God and why I had to suffer that way.

A few years later after graduation a car accident that hurt my back and left me depressed dealing with pain and anxiety.

God never left me in all this but he patiently was waiting for me to just call on him again for help. My life became a mess and I was heading way in the wrong direction. Every now and then I would pray God please don't give up on me, I will bring you glory one day.

Then one night driving home from night shift I heard God in my mind and heart speak these words to me. "Son are you going to follow me or not? You can not remain half in and half out. It's all in or nothing.

It hit me like nothing I had ever felt. I couldn't help but cry because I knew in my heart I had a choice and I needed to make it. So I cried out to God saying," Lord I can not continue down this path. You have always protected me even though I never deserved it. Please God help me do your will and I will forever follow you."

From then on the Holy spirit was even stronger. God gave me the ambition to read the Bible, go to church, seek elder counselling, and pray. No it was never easy, I still had many days I was too lazy to do his will.
But I couldn't stay away long, I always remember that night driving home.

My life has its ups and downs. But now with Christ my ups are included with worship and praise and my downs are included with Joy and peace of mind knowing God will always be with me.

I am still tempted everyday to do wrong but everyday I become better at saying no to temptation. I no longer live in guilt but ask forgiveness and I know Jesus died for my sins and through my belief in him I was reminded I no longer needed to stay in guilt.

I do not regret where I have been. I focus on the now and prepare for the future. Using the past to dictate my actions in the present. I will continue to grow, learn, and to keep my eyes on Jesus.

Praise the Lord, for HE alone does Wonderous things!

Roughsoul1991 · Sep 22, 2021

LuvofChrist said:

Amen!

My testimony.

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