Taylor’s Story

Growing up in the church, I would say I don’t know of a time when I hadn’t heard of God and his saving power. We were at church every Sunday, Wednesday, and sometimes days in between. I “accepted Jesus into my heart” by putting a balloon on a stage at church camp that symbolized that I understood that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. And while I did know that at the time, it wasn’t until college that I truly understood what it meant and wasn’t truly transformed at a heart level.

I would have considered myself a “good kid” growing up. I didn’t drink, I didn’t do drugs, I barely dated anyone let alone do anything I wasn’t supposed to with them. Sure I was mean to my sister, lied a bit, but I wasn’t “that bad.” I also didn’t make or even know how to make my relationship with God a priority. In college I got into a relationship that wasn’t all totally bad but definitely took my already little focus on God away completely. I tried to fit in to get him to like me more and before I knew it I couldn’t even claim the things that I hadn’t done that made me a “good kid” before. 2 years of on and off with this guy and he broke up with me for good. I cried on my pillow that night and the words that came out of my mouth were, “Thank you.” “Thank you?!?” I immediately thought. What an odd thing to say right now. But as I thought that, I also had this true peace with what the Lord was doing. I had this supernatural perspective that He was working in my life for my good and His glory.

Looking back I know without a doubt that that was the Holy Spirit. The next day one of my good friends came to me and said she was starting a Bible study and asked if I would I be interested? “YES!” I think I got the words out before she even finished her sentence. That moment on I really, truly felt the Lord working in my life in a saving way and understood what it meant. That I was a sinner. I needed him desperately and He loved me so much that He sent His Son to die in my place. A punishment I deserved, I was now free from.

Since then my sanctification process has not gone without its challenges. But from family betrayal, being hurt by leadership failures, major marriage struggles and financial strain, I can see so clearly Him continuing to teach me, and work in my life. I am so humbled and grateful that He chose me to be a part of His kingdom and that I get to count all my suffering as Joy.

“Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!” - Psalm 138:1