Personal Testimony

We are four sisters in the flesh aged between14 and 21 but only 3 of us are baptized and are spiritual sisters along with our parents in Christ’s family. We lead a quite normal and simple life, experiencing a let down atmosphere as we are surrounded by people who go to different churches. Our father was baptized in 1994 whereas Mum and we three girls were baptized in 2002 and 2001 respectively.

Since the time we came to know the truth we are facing lots of trials and temptations, in one way or another. We, being youngsters, felt that these trials and temptations are more in our way than the other youngsters whom we have seen in the truth. As we mentioned above, we survive amongst the people who go to different churches. In their sight, we’ve done a great abomination by denying their doctrines and following the actual truth. They look at us quite strangely and gossip behind us. Above all, they are waiting to see our downfall in this world.

Obviously, like all other victims, the question of, “Why does God allow sufferings?” lingered in our minds. By God’s grace, an answer flashed in our minds and influenced us to give thanks to HIM for the sufferings we had, and have, in our lives. The answer is, Christ our Lord and Saviour, though being a perfect Son to his Father, had to learn obedience through suffering (Hebrew 5:8), How much more then should we be expecting the trials and tribulations in our way to the kingdom, as they add a dynamic quality to our lives. We also know from the Scriptures that Christ saw not just the cross before him, but saw the glory he would have with his Father after enduring the cross (Hebrews 12:2). It’s the same with us who want to follow him firmly until the race is finished. We have to see the glory of the kingdom through the sufferings.

Also, it’s not too long for our Lord to return to this earth. He may come tomorrow or even now. God our Father, who is merciful and compassionate wants us as youngsters especially to remember Him, our Creator, and to be prepared at any time to see His Son coming in glory. Wherefore He is making our troubles a door of hope (Hosea 2:14,15). As we face trials and tribulations, we have to remember that God speaks to us not just in times of prosperity but also in times of our distress. Just as drought drives the roots of a tree deeper to find water, so sufferings can drive us beyond the superficial acceptance of truth to dependence on GOD for hope and life.

So, there are glad tidings for all our young friends, brethren and sisters who feel just like us on the way to the glorious kingdom: welcome sufferings gladly and take them positively. Never give up the hope that “he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22).

Sis. Diana Bersheba (Mandya Ecclesia, Karnataka, India)