Ellie’s Story “I have to be 100% in with my whole heart…”
God, Forgiveness , StoriesContributed by: Crossroads Prison Ministries
“I have to be 100% with my whole heart. That’s the only way faith works.”
Our God is truly a great Father! I want to sing from rooftops praises to our Lord, Our Saviour Jesus Christ! I finally get it. I was seeking purpose for my life, and I found our Father. I knew He was there, but I didn’t give Him everything before — which is why I’ve returned to Him.
God has been very bold in my life these days, and has done many wonderful things into my heart. I wanted to die a short time before I came to jail. Now, He has given me purpose. I’m so blessed! He’s good all the time. I’m so excited to live again!
The first thing I had to do was forgive myself.
I had to accept God’s forgiveness. It wasn’t easy. I laughed. I cried. I had a-ha moments. I’m doing a lot of Bible studies. I truly believe that I’m saved and I am building a loving relationship with our Father — and what an amazing Father we have!
I’ve now come to terms with making my crimes right — or “rehabilitation” — the new foundation for my life. I am going to spend my days becoming the best me I can, strengthening myself for my battles with Satan.
I’m putting on my armour of righteousness, as well as being an obedient child. I recently ended my relationship. I cannot keep negative, toxic people in my life: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). I am still a baby, but I’m learning.
I’ve devoted my days to becoming stronger in my faith. I’m planting seeds so I can have a new harvest. I definitely do have a big heart — I just need to guard my heart and mind better from Satan.
I put so much of my life into outside things — things that don’t represent my Saviour. And that left the door open for Satan. I pray every day for guidance, and I truly do feel like a child. Sometimes, I don’t want to do what God wants me to do. But I have to be 100% in with my whole heart. That’s the only way this faith works.
I asked God to come into my heart, and I gave Him all my pain. “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path” (Proverbs 2:9). Or my new favourite: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3).
So here I am: what a blessed life I’m going to have in Jesus! I’m so grateful for you, and our new journey. God has freed me. My heart is filled with joy and peace already. Those emotions finally replaced all the pain and despair I felt prior to letting our Dad into my heart.
Article originally posted at https://cpministries.ca/ellies-story/
Photo by Bill Hamway on Unsplash.