grow - laura bradley

10th May 2010 by Julia Hosking

Have you ever had that strong gut feeling in the pit of your stomach when you desperately miss somebody or that yearning feeling to tell your friends about God's amazing love but held back because you thought they wouldn't care, or would think differently of you?

Well, at the start of this year I felt that way all the time. I felt like I was missing somebody, but I didn't know who.

I've been enrolled as a Salvation Army senior soldier since 2007, and now that I look back, I've been so blessed with the opportunities I have come across in the past few years.

And sure, I've prayed and read my Bible at church and Bible study ... but never have I had that intimate, close, amazing bond and relationship with God. I want to be the young woman that shines God's light all the time, the point of reference when somebody is describing God's way of showing others his love.

So when I was feeling that insecure, lonely feeling, of course I turned to God. For the very first time, I finally just let go of myself and opened up my heart. I asked my God to open up my eyes and ears so that I can understand what he wants my life to be filled with.

I opened up my Bible and I came across Philemon 1:6-7 (NCV) "I pray that the faith you share may make you understand every blessing we have in Christ. I have great joy and comfort, because the love you have shown to God's people has refreshed them!"

I believe from that moment, God spoke to me and was listing off every single blessing I have that surrounds me. That week I felt confident and excited to talk to my non-Christian friends about my God. I have NEVER been able to do that before.

My past insecurity was gone; I cannot begin to explain how liberating it felt! That feeling of missing somebody has vanished ... because I now have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ my God! I chat to him everyday driving to my lectures, as you would with your best friend. I love him, and I'm so glad I finally let go and listened to him!

We believe in a God of the present, and reckon there is always something that you can share with others about God’s work in your life. Whether you’ve shared a story before or not, don’t be put off submitting three, four or twenty save-grow-serve stories! Don't delay, click here today!

Comments

Mading Aruei Deng

May 21, 2010 at 3:05pm

am really greatful to shere the blessing of God the father the Son and the Holyspirrit.
Thanks for loving God and he will always love you, too if you don't give him up.
wish you all the best to serve God the rest of you life.

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Claire Twivey

May 23, 2010 at 5:58pm

You are such a beautiful girl Laura!
Thanks for sharing your story. It's so encouraging to hear!

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