Growing in faith in God

by Shelley
(Brazil)

I have always had a pull towards god and jesus from a very young age in primary school but the teaching methods of one RE teacher scared my parents when one day i came home from school saying i can't wait to die to be with god. My parent's are athiests but wanted me to make my own decisions with regards to my beliefs but were terrified when i was saying these things so they arranged for alternative activities for my sister and I during RE class which i think was understandable. When i was in highschool my mother willingly took me to a local church and let me attend church with her christian friend but as I am more of a follower i was steered away to go to parties and do activities with my non-christian friends.

when i was 18 I started reading the bible more seriously and wanted to attend church but i was in a relationship where my boyfriend wasn't comfortable about me getting all religious.

This relationship ended and I traveled overseas for the next 3 years and started a relationship with my now fiance whose family were born again expect for my fiance. It scared me when they would speak and pray openly about god bible and jesus and often tried to steer the conversation away.

My fiance and I have gone through so much ordeal regarding moving to his home town in a country that spoke little english to organise for a visa. During this time I have started a reading plan of the bible and doing daily devotionals and the one thing that has pulled me through is when god says I will carry your burdens for exchange of my Yoke. IT has been very frustrating time but when I get mad and down I stop and say ok god I give this to you cause you are stronger than everything. It has really releived me. My fiance is also very encouraging in regards to me building a relationship with god. He does not want to be apart of the process yet but says if that is what i need then he is happy .

I have yet to find a church and start my journey on being baptised but it will only happen when it is apart of gods plan. I thank jesus for lighting my path towards my father