Patricia's Testimony

My first vivid experience in my Christian life happened when I was in the fourth grade while taking a timed multiplication test. If anyone completed a full page of problems in one minute, the reward was a cup full of peanuts and an advanced placement to the next level of problems. My fellow classmates, I noticed, sneaked a few answers onto the test sheet while our teacher was not watching us. Some would complete up to two rows before the allotted time began and would finish 'successfully.' I felt left behind as well as very envious. So, inevitably, I decided that I would try the "start-ahead" method as well. I did it and I passed, yet I was so miserable. It was very strange to me that I was so unhappy. I was sure that I was supposed to be happy but I had a very heavy feeling on me all the time. I knew I had done something that I should not have done, and so I didn't want to tell anyone. After a few days, I could not bear it any longer; I broke down and told my mom. I was ready for her scolding and punishment; however, she did neither. Instead, she told me that I needed to go to my room and tell Jesus that I was sorry for cheating on the test and to ask Him to forgive me. I do not remember what I prayed, but I distinctly remember the joy I had when immediately the heavy load of sin was lifted off of me. I knew that Jesus had forgiven me.

From that time onward I have continued to come to the Lord again and again for His forgiveness. First John 1:9 really has been and continues to be my experience, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." As I have grown in my spiritual life, I have also realized that the precious blood, which cleanses me from my sins, has also bought me. "Knowing that it was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were redeemed from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers, but with precious blood, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot, the blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:18-19). I am now indebted to Him, to live for Him, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "For the love of Christ constrains us because we have judged this, that One died for all, therefore all died; And He died for all that those who live may no longer live to themselves but to Him who died for them and has been raised."

Practically though, as a college student, how can I live to Him? I am here attending school and endeavoring to graduate with a Pharm.D degree; how do I live my life for Him? I have found that pursuing the Lord is the way. However, I cannot do this on my own. Practically, Christian Students Association has provided me the way with the encouragement of other Christians to get into God's Word, to pursue the Lord, and to share Him with those around me. It is my vivid experience now to "flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, [and] peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Tim. 2:22).