By DaVonne Harris, resident director and director of student activities, Goshen College Reprinted from Lenten Devotions THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURES: DEVOTIONAL: I grew up in church. I had the privilege of knowing that I had a Creator; that he loved me and had a plan for my life.
But my spiritual life changed forever when I was 16. My mother, a single parent, had gotten ill to the point that she was sent to a nursing home 45 minutes away. I was left to live with my sister and new baby nephew. I felt like I was wandering through a rugged wilderness. I desperately needed solace. It was then that I told God: “I surrender.” I made a covenant with him that there was nothing that the world could offer to help me in the way that I needed. I gave my heart to him, and I began to experience the fruits of the spirit like never before: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When I think about all that has transpired in my life, I have no other explanation than God’s intervention. It has been through my surrender to God that my life has blossomed. Through my seeking, I have gained a greater sense of self esteem. Through my seeking, I have had the confidence to seek opportunities that have helped me succeed in life. I have sought, and God has responded. He has responded with love, hope and healing. In spite of my life’s difficulties, I have overcome and God has shown himself faithful (Selah).
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Melanie Stanley-Soulen pastored Allen-Lee United Methodist Church from 2007 until 2013. Archives
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