Jordan’s Story

I grew up in a Christian family that was very loving. My parents raised me well and I was a good kid. I never had a rebellious or wild time and followed their rules. When I was around six I came to the understanding that I needed to make a personal decision to invite Jesus into my life and save me from my sins. I asked my parents more about it, and they asked me if I wanted to pray for Jesus to come into my life. I said something along the lines of “Of course!” in six year old language. Since I made this decision when I was so young and was raised in a Christian family, I never really saw anything different in my life, but God had a plan to make Himself known in my life.

 

It wasn’t until high school that I began to realize that I had just been following a list of rules and regulations. I began to understand that God truly loves me unconditionally and loves everyone else just as much. It was this love that captured my heart and caused me to pursue a relationship with God, instead of just following His rules. When I began to pursue a personal relationship with God, I began to see changes in my attitude and how I saw others. I desired to read the Bible and to talk about it with other people. I realized that everyone should be given the opportunity to learn how to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

 

When I went to college, I was forced to make real decisions that would affect my life. Through the support of my roommate I wasn’t sucked into the life of a typical college student and was able to be a witness just by living my life in front of all the people around me. Because I knew this love from God, I was able to love my friends and fellow dorm residents in a way that wasn’t judgmental or critical, but accepting of exactly where they are.

 

I got involved in a Bible study and began my intensive spiritual growth that I experienced through beginning this new phase of my life. God worked in me and taught me what my faith was really about. It was through this time period that I took a hold of my faith and made it my own – not the faith of my parents. I have never regretted this decision to walk with Jesus. I screw up on a constant basis and God still loves me the same. It’s His grace that welcomes me back in.

 

Today I have had amazing experiences and opportunities to serve God, but I know that what’s important is living my life daily for Him. It’s not about where I have gone or what kind of experiences I have had, but about maintaining a personal relationship with God. Healthy relationships have conflict and problems, but these “imperfections” only strengthen my relationship with Him. I know that living my life for God is a purpose that I am willing to give up anything for.

In Christ,

Jordan Bell

 

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