Jo Ann's Testimony

This morning, I started thinking about God and His love for me. How did I ever make it in my life, when I was without Him?

Then I started thinking about my son. Years ago when I wasn't saved, I knew there was a Lord and He was in control of our lives. Every time the Lord was mentioned, my son would ask, "Well, were did He come from and why does He let bad things happen to people and where was He on 9-11?" Back then, I didn't have an answer for him, maybe I truly didn't understand. He would ask, "How do you know there is a God?" Always, it seemed he was asking the why's, what's and where's of God.

We except God by Faith...

Today, I still don't have all the answers; but do know by faith, I believe! I look around and see the beautiful blue sky, with the white fluffy clouds, the bright shining sun, and the wind blowing in my face. The mountains that I love so much! A spring morning with flowers blooming, trees beginning to come to life, and the ocean. On and on I could write because I see Him in everything! He gives us The day for work, and then when the sun goes down we have the beauty of a full moon at night so that we may lie down and rest.

It is not His will for bad things to happen. He had a plan for man to live in this wonderful world. When Eve took a bite of the fruit, Satan came as a snake and told her to eat, and all would be right. That's the day sin came into the world. I don't tell this too well, but open your Bible and read. (Genesis 3) Then read about Jesus, He came and died on the cross for our sins. He paid the cost! (John 3:16)That's why all we have to do is to call upon Him. He will come into your heart. It's your choice, He leaves this up to you.

Jesus, He is love. The bad things that happen come from Satan. Some things that happen in our lives, aren't God's plan, but through Satan and sin things happen. You know, I could blame the Lord because John, my husband, had to die. Blame him because of the life I have without him. But I don't. All of us one day will die. Then the judgment will come. Anyway. . . I am thankful for the years that I had John . . . even the bad years. I am sure they helped me to be the woman I have become.Through those bad years, I have to remember there was a Lord. He still was looking out for me.

How do I know there is a Lord? A question I feel I can answer much better today than before. I know He was watching over me, even years ago. He let me see the times that I could have died if it had not been for Him. He made a way when I lost John, gave me a home and took care of me. You, my children, might say, "That was Dad. He was the one who worked". Even so, the day John saw the "we are hiring" sign, God, at that very minute was at work. He knew the future, that in just a week my husband would be gone. He knew the job John needed, that in a week insurance would be provided. Enough to get me a home and buy me a car. OH yes, He, my Lord was looking after me!

You ask, "why do you believe there is a Lord?" Again, by faith; that's how we come to Him. It was the Lord that helped me the day John left me, even though I wasn't saved. He was looking after me. He has things for me to do. He saw me through all of my pain. Those of you that know me personally, know this is a miracle from God. He was with me that first night in my trailer. I felt so alone and so scared, but He was there that night and ever since has been with me. I no longer have the old feelings, like I will explode and find it hard to breathe--having to make a trip to the hospital. When I lay my head down on my pillow, I don't lie there for hours thinking about bad things I have done. He took that away from me the day I ask him into my heart. How do I know there is a Lord? By Faith, and I know He lives in my heart. I have such a peace at night. I know He has sent angels that watch over me. I am surely blessed!

One day, when things come, you might ask, "Where is your God now?" Things will happen, even more so as a Christian, but I know He will see me through, if I only keep holding His hand. I know things will come-- things I will have to go through. I will always have a cross to bear. If I don't give up, the way Satan has planned, I will make it, for as I have said, I am never alone. I am at peace; all is well with my soul.

Also, I know that we are living in the very last days. Soon, very soon, this life will end. We are seeing things beginning even now, the spirit of the antichrist is taking over our world. I hope you will go to your Bible if you don't know much about our Lord and ask Him into your heart. By faith believe. That's my prayer for you today. My prayer for me, is to hold on to Him, be open to His small still voice and let Him be my Teacher. I want to put all of my trust in Him and ask for Him to help me, that in some way I can help those who feel there is no help for them. I know better, because, this was me at one time! Help me never to forget, even though some may try, no one can hurt me, they can't get to me, His blood has been applied!!

God Bless, Jo Ann Reardon March 6, 2007