Afew years ago, I would have described myself as quite faithful. To me, faith was all about saying as many prayers as I could. But did I really pray? However, moving on I realized that I didn’t really know how strong my faith in God was. From hearing various testimonies and experiencing a gift myself, I have come to understand that God doesn’t look at how many prayers we say, rather listens to those who place their trust in Him. “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their trouble” (Psalm 34:17). For me, faith came when I had wanted to be placed in Set 1 for maths. I said my prayers, but was never placed in Set 1, the top set. I was in Set 3 out of 4. Personally, for me, this was very disappointing.
I was so caught up in world, that I forgot, without God I would be nothing. I kept telling myself that I would get what I wanted if I worked hard enough for it. At a recent retreat that I attended, a speaker said that it doesn’t matter how much effort you put in, God must approve of that plan too. “For surely I know the plans I have for you” says the LORD, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). After two whole years of trying to reach this goal with my own ‘strength’ I was still behind. Even though I went to a Catholic school, attended church weekly and attended retreats, I had not found my faith or established a connection with God. Gradually over time, I learnt that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Recently, while on holiday, I attended St Anthony’s Church in Kochi, India. After hearing the powerful testimonies, I decided to make an intercession through St Anthony. I promised Jesus that if I reached my goal, I would write an article for KR Magazine to share my experience, in the hope to change others’ views on faith. At the start of the new academic year, I was overwhelmed when I found out that I was in Set 1 for maths. I was so ecstatic that I jumped up and down with joy. Today I thank the Lord for what He has done for me, fully convinced that He will always be the bright light in my life.
by Helen James, UK