God Loves Me
I can testify
today that I am on the road to becoming a disciplined Christian. Oh, I still
have miles and miles to go, and u-turns to overcome, but I am where God has led
me and it is no coincidence.
My 16-year-old had been attending Wednesday night youth gatherings at Fortress with some friends from school. I was so touched by Pastor Justin, who called after her first visit and said he was happy she was there and hoped she would continue to attend because they really enjoyed having her there. He was so genuine. This was the first spark. My first visit to Fortress Church was on July 20th with my husband and nine-year-old. I felt so welcomed, from the two greeters at the door shaking my hand and saying, "Welcome, God bless you, sister," to all the people we who greeted us warmly as we walked to our seats. Pastor Randy’s message that Sunday was what I had been searching for, someone to help lead the way and open my eyes and heart. Every week since (Sundays & Wednesday evenings) has been such a blessing for me.
I believe God opened the door to Fortress Church for my family and I - we just needed to walk through the door. Something Pastor Randy said in one of his messages keeps going through my mind . . . “When you are so tired and fed-up with whatever it is you are going through, good, because now God can come in and take over.” I can honestly say I can feel the presence of God when I am at Fortress--He surrounds the place and everyone there--that is very powerful. I don't feel like an outsider, I feel like one of the family and have felt it from the moment I first walked through those doors.
I feel that the song from Third Day, "Call My Name" was written about me and what I have been going through in my life. All along Jesus has been here with me. All I need to do is call out to Him. How stubborn we humans can be....
The family at
Fortress Church has rekindled the flame that was being blown out. It's hard to
put into words the feelings that I have come to experience from deep within
myself after Sunday messages, Wednesday night teachings and Friday night
Celebrate Recovery. I've never cried as much as I have in the last six months
from hearing God's word and knowing in my mind that I am loved, truly and
unconditionally loved by God. All I have to do is accept the love. I've always
heard, "God Loves You," but I guess I never allowed myself to open my heart and
really receive that love, for many different reasons.
One of the most painful experiences in my life was losing my father on March
12, 1999. I remember crying so hard at his viewing that I was in physical pain,
and all I can remember saying was, “Who will help me now, Dad? Who will love me
now, Dad?” I still get choked up thinking about it. This morning at church,
while I was at the altar holding my Dad's Bible, I received my answer with my
open heart . . . God Loves Me! Me, Monica, for who I am and God is with me. I am
not alone, never have been, and never will be. That was so powerful, I can't
even explain. After such a long time, I allowed my heart to receive what my
mind knew was true. Today I heard it loud and clear - God Loves Me!
I know this is a journey to be taken one step at a time. Fortress Church and
all of the brothers and sisters have been such a blessing to me. I thank God for
bringing me to be a part of all of you.
Monica
To submit your testimony . . . email us at office@fortresschurch.org