The Life-Changing Hope of Jesus

My Salvation Story

I’m one of those people who doesn’t have a super “exciting” salvation story. I grew up in a Christian home, and I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know who Jesus was.

My first memory of wanting Jesus in my life was sometime between the ages of four and five. My dad found me crying, and when he asked what was wrong, I explained to him that I had dark stuff in my heart, and I couldn’t get it out. He prayed with me to ask for forgiveness for my sins and invite Jesus into my life. I still remember feeling the great sense of relief in knowing Jesus loved me and had taken the darkness out of my heart. I have loved Him ever since.

Meeting Jesus Throughout My Life’s Story

Since that time, I’ve seen the hand of God in my life countless times. Whether it was building the habit of Bible reading and prayer, learning how to ask forgiveness when I told lies as a young girl, standing in awe of His creation on mountain hikes, worshipping while playing the piano at home, or fully surrendering my will to Him as a teenager at youth camp, I became amazed at the way He knew me inside and out, loved me intensely, and took the time to speak to me as an individual.

Why My Life is Different Because of Jesus

I’ve always been in awe of how the King of the Universe knows me so intimately. He’s come down to my level, met me in dark places, and changed me in ways I often only notice when I look back in time.

One of the biggest differences Jesus has made throughout my life is hope. Throughout my three decades of serving Him, I’ve faced countless anxiety attacks. He has been the anchor in every storm I’ve been through, and I’ve thought on many occasions I simply wouldn’t be here without Him.

If I didn’t know life has a greater meaning and pain has a deeper purpose, I don’t know how I could face this world. The hope Jesus has given me means that no matter what comes, no matter what crushing weight I may be under, every situation is an opportunity to become more like Jesus, and every trial is a chance to understand more of His heart. He has truly made all the difference.

When I was a teenager, Romans 8:28 was one of my favorite Bible verses. It says, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

I loved, and still love, the meaning of this. It gives me hope.

But when I was in college, one of my professors pointed out that people often leave off verse 29, which is tied in closely to the meaning of 28. It goes on to say, “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

In other words, all things work together to conform us into the image of his Son. All things don’t necessarily work together to make me feel warm and toasty inside (though that’s nice). All things don’t necessarily work together to make my life easier (though I like that too).

All things work together to make me more like Jesus. Which gives an even greater meaning and message to the words. Because we all know the reality of the world. Life is hard, and things don’t always turn out with sunshine and rainbows. Yet because of the reality of Christ in the lives of Christians, all things can give us the hope of sanctifying work in our hearts and an eternity of God’s promises in Heaven.