Seven years ago I came to America and began my journey of exploring Christianity. In the first few years, I regularly attended Teacher Mei's weekly fellowship and slowly came to understand Christianity through Bible study. I also attended worship at some American churches during that time, but because of cultural and language barriers and my limited understanding of Christianity, I never fully grasped God's grace. Before deeply understanding Christianity, I firmly believed that hard work pays off and that human effort can overcome everything. Studying and working hard was my entire purpose in life. Then one day, when I realized that effort did not always bring the expected results, I was tightly wrapped in deep anxiety, fear, and negative emotions. Thank God — at that time, through Sister Jinyu's guidance, I came to MGC. At the same time, I began reading two chapters of the Bible every day. Through studying Scripture at MGC and my own daily reading, I gradually realized how great God's grace toward me was. I still remember Pastor Chen's sermon — hearing insights about life, understanding of God, and worship from someone with such rich life experience. I was deeply moved when he shared how a pastor friend of his moved his whole family to a very dangerous neighborhood to help people who desperately needed God's guidance. In my daily Bible reading, my heart and emotions have become more peaceful. Matthew 6:26–34 has had a profound influence on me. These verses say: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you — you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Yes — God has already given me so much. Christ sacrificed Himself to redeem us from sin, and I have already received so much love, so why am I still unsatisfied and anxious? I believe God has arranged the best path for me. Through Bible study and hearing sermons at MGC, I increasingly hope to become more Jesus-like, more tolerant and peaceful, able to forgive those who have hurt me in life and bless them. As a sinner, I know there is still a long road ahead — there may be thorns and difficulties along the way — but I believe God will guide me and the Holy Spirit will teach me. I will forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, running straight toward the goal.

Iris
December 2019