I have so much to be thankful for in my life. I am still going through a very difficult season in my life, but God has remained faithful. As I look ahead to the future, I can see that things are turning around for me positively. This is my story.
I grew up in a very legalistic and religious family with a very strict upbringing. I was not allowed to express myself in the most natural sense. I was restricted from wearing jewellery, pants, make up and could only eat certain foods. As a result of growing up in that environment I became a strict, judgmental person who was working for the gift of salvation. I honestly wanted to do the right things and live a righteous life, I earnestly desired to live a life pleasing to God.
Years later I met a man who I thought was a Christian and we decided to get married. Several years later we started having problems in our marriage, and sadly are in the middle of a divorce. Through this I have learned that I yoked myself unequally since he was not a believer. However, God is giving me the grace and strength I need to get through this.
It was around this time I was invited to a special service with Apostle Helen Hansson. After attending a few times Apostle Helen reached out to telling me that the Lord had spoken to her about helping me. Since I had been hurt by religious people in the past, I was very sceptical about opening my heart to her but thank God she persisted.
Over the course of several months she began to teach me the Bible and explain biblical truths to me about my own life, my purpose, my old religious lifestyle and my family. It was during this time I realised that I had been living so long in spiritual darkness and did not even know it. I thought I knew it all. I was full of pride and arrogance, not submissive to my husband, I was so lost. I was a worldly Christian trying to control my circumstances and as well as those around me. I was in rebellion against God, which I learned, according to the book of Samuel, is a form of witchcraft. Something seemingly as simple as controlling others, that is also witchcraft. Unknowingly I had opened so many doors to the enemy who was now working in and through my life.
I thank God for his goodness and mercy towards me. When I came to the truth that I was a sinner, was in active sin and needed saving, it was a battle to even say the words Jesus come into heart, be my Lord and saviour. I COULD NOT get the words out my mouth. As Apostle Helen was praying me through, I felt an icy coldness over my body which I have never felt before, I felt very strong stirrings in my head, all over my body my pores were raised. I continue to battle to say the words- come into my heart Jesus, be my lord and saviour, save me. Satan did not want to lose the hold he had on my life, but as Apostle Helen continued to pray with me and for me I was set free in my mind and was finally able to say the words and gave my life to Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and saviour. This was in June 2020. As a result, I have seen quick and drastic positive changes in my life.
Within three months I was recognised for the role I was doing at work, (which I was requesting for one year, but was continually being ignored). I was then subsequently granted a promotion within three weeks, along with an increase of salary.
I don’t just read the bible now, I study it, and it’s like so much more truth and knowledge is being revealed to me with understanding. It truly is a different experience. I have been humbled and I continue to humble myself, I am learning to truly love others and to respect myself. I am indeed growing in the grace and in the Lord. I am walking in the path of becoming the person my creator designed me to be before the foundations of the earth.
I give the Great I Am All praise, glory and honour for saving my soul and for giving me another chance. I can literally testify that I am alive today, because Jesus the Christ stepped in and delivered me from a dark place, brought me into the light and saved my life. He delivered me out of the hands of the evil ones and for this I am so grateful and can’t stop praising him. So, I can’t help but testify of the goodness of the Lord towards me.
Shaunille