He Trusted Me…Guest Writer

This is a young lady I have had the privilege to follow lately. She’s young and full of positive energy; which you will feel as you read her writing here today. Out of respect for her family, she’s asked that you don’t comment on this particular post on her blog, but rather here on my blog as she’s a guest writer and will keep her eye on your encouraging comments. If you don’t follow her, please do and help gird and encourage her daily. Thanks y’all!

Hey, everyone! My name is Vanessa Williams. I first want to thank Sis. Amy Blount for letting me do this! I appreciate it! I’ve been wanting to blog about this for a while but I couldn’t. Until now!

I am a 15 year old young Apostolic girl and I’m the only person in my family going to church. My family backslid when I was around the age of 11 or 12. Let me tell you a little about my story.

I was one of those kids who HATED going to church when I was little. But, I had to go because my parents made me. (Oh, how I miss those days!) I went to my first youth camp when I was 9 years old and that was when I got the gift of the Holy Ghost!! My life changed! And, I truly believe if I would not have went to camp that year I would NOT be in church today. If I wouldn’t have gone to camp, I would have not gotten the Holy Ghost and I would NOT have made it through the test God is putting me through now. Because right after camp that year is when my family started to backslide. And, I was faced with a choice to make. Either keep going to church and living for God or follow the footsteps of my family… Now remember, I had to make this choice at the REALLY young age.  My family didn’t backslide over night. It took about a year or two before they fully did. But, as a 9 year old girl, I noticed A LOT. I noticed my mom’s job getting in the way of church and my dad following. So, I had to make a decision right then. I made up my mind that I was going to keep living for God NO MATTER WHAT! I was determined (and still am) to see my family back in church.

So, here I am 5 years later and  STILL going to church and living for God with ALL my heart!! Trying to be a good example for my family!

I do face a lot of trials alone. There has been countless times where I would have to war off the devil and stand against him. I’m going to be real for a second. It’s NOT easy at all! It’s not easy to be reading your Bible or praying in your room and hear your brother in the living room screaming at people on his game. It’s not easy to go to church or youth by yourself. It’s not easy to hold in your emotions all the time because you don’t want to cry in front of your family. It’s not easy to encourage yourself when you don’t feel like going to church, but you know you have to because your dream is to one day go to church with your family again. It’s not easy when they call all the families up to the front at church and you can’t go up there because your family isn’t there with you. It’s not easy when “family time” isn’t sitting around the table playing board games anymore, but it’s watching something on the TV. It’s not easy when EVERYONE asks me “Where is your family?” when I’m at church…. These are things I deal with. Daily.

But, please don’t feel sorry for me. That’s not my reason for this post.

My reason for this post is to encourage everyone who reads this.

It may be hard right now but it can’t rain forever!! God has trusted me to go through this trial and I’m glad he trusted me to do this!

I’ve learned A LOT over the years of going to church by myself. My trust in God has grown more than I ever thought it would! For I have learned to be content in any circumstance, because I know God is holding me and he will NEVER let me go! I have changed from that little girl who HATED to go to church to a young lady who can’t get enough of church. Isn’t it amazing how God works like that!?

No matter what you are going through please don’t give up. That’s what the devil wants, don’t let him win! God is putting you through this test for a reason and when he has tried you, you shall come forth as GOLD! Just keep holding on and trust God to bring you through. God is More than ABLE!

Thank you everyone for reading and thank you again for letting me do this Sis. Amy! I feel like it’s off my chest now. I hope you all have a blessed week and stay strong!

~ Vanessa Williams