A Captured Heart

25 February, 2013

“In order to have a spiritual life, you need not enter a seminary, or fast, or abstain, or take a vow of chastity. All you have to do is have faith and accept God. From then on, each of us becomes a part of His path. We become vehicles for His miracles.” 
Paulo Coelho

Paulo’s quote accurately depicts my current thoughts. As a new Christian, God radically took hold of every aspect of my life, from my friends to my hobbies to my conversations. God transformed me into one of his chosen children, giving me royal blood. Although my surroundings didn’t change and I didn’t join a seminary or make any major life changes, God became the number one priority. I started to see the Lord Jesus work through my actions; I started to think about how to further His kingdom and downsize my own.

I have been a born again Christian for exactly 169 days. God had been tapping at my heart for a few months prior, but I can clearly remember the exact moment that I was saved. My whole life, I had been a gossip, a cheater, a partier, and a flirt. I was living for the acceptance of the world. I was a soldier for Satan.

I lived with daily struggles, some extremely serious. My confidence was down the drain, and my insecurities were through the roof.

Since the day I was saved, Jesus has been at the forefront of my life. In that time I have joined Calvary Chapel, joined three weekly bible studies, and attend worship nights at Pepperdine. I’ve gone on two retreats, and I plan on interning with a church in Hawaii this summer and in Malibu next year. I know that the Lord has put ministry on my heart, and I can’t wait to see where it leads me.

The church has been having a drastic impact on my faith; the strong community and fellowship has become my family. I want to serve every way that I can and although I’m a new Christian, I’m confident I have a lot to give. This time is a chance for me to recognize the gifts God has given me to further His word.
I don’t know what my future holds, but I know that God has His hand in it. Praying about my future is something I do daily, and I know God’s timing is perfect, meaning I’ll end up exactly where I’m supposed to.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for welfare and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope.”

-Jeremiah 29:11