A Life Restored
By Amelia (15)
I grew up in a Christian home with an awesome family. I knew who God was, and I had experienced His love before, but somewhere along the way I lost sight of Him. I felt utterly hopeless, so I completely shut Him out of my life. Looking back now, this was the biggest mistake I have ever made.
From the beginning of 2017 until the end of 2019 I was just surviving. Having unhealthy friendships throughout school, being bullied, and having my mum sick for eight years all had a significant impact on me. But it wasn’t until Year 7 that my life took a difficult turn.
On top of past anxiety and unhappiness, body image began to worry me, causing my mental health to plummet. Hurtful words were constantly shot at me, each one a bullet to my chest. I felt like no matter how hard I tried, I could never be enough for society. Every judgement, every model I saw on TV, and every doubt became overwhelming. Dangerous thoughts started flooding my mind until eventually I gave in to the lies, and my thoughts turned to harmful actions. The consequences of my decisions were devastating at the time. I was taken out of school, without warning. Everything I knew—gone.
Coming to my new school was a blessing, but still extremely challenging. Having to plaster on a fake facade every day was draining, and nothing changed for the next two years. Happiness seemed long gone. My outward self reflected someone filled with joy, but internally I was broken. I felt hopeless.
But then, near the end of 2019, at a life-changing church conference, I gave everything to God. Tired of struggling day-today, I came to Him as my last resort, leaving my battles, my sin, and my pain at the foot of the cross. Little did I know that by doing so, my life would be completely transformed.
Ever since that night, instead of just surviving, I’ve been able to fight. I’ve been able to fight off the enemy who had a strong hold on my life. And ever since that night, life has become easier, more enjoyable.
After years of seeking help in all sorts of different places, it wasn’t until I came to God that I began to see changes. Even though not every struggle has disappeared, conquering them doesn’t seem impossible anymore, because with God everything is possible.
We have an enemy who laughs when we are broken, who deceives us, who lures us straight into pain and trouble. He steals our joy, he steals our lives, he confuses us, and he lies to us. He brings death. God, however, is bigger than all of that. He speaks truth, He is perfect, He heals, and He protects. During our dark times, He is the One who will save us. He is the One who gives life, a life filled with love and joy.
No matter what you’re going through, God can help you overcome it. I thought I would constantly have heavy burdens weighing me down, but those weights were lifted off my shoulders. God didn’t laugh at me. He didn’t make me feel worthless. Instead, He helped me and showed me a joy I never thought was possible. Never again will I choose to live without God.
Choose Him. Follow Him. He will set you free.
PROMPT: This is a new year. A new beginning. Read Matthew 11:28-30. This is Jesus’ invitation for you to come and lay every burden upon Him. Those struggles weighing you down? Bring them to Him. The pain from the past? Lay it at His feet. The lies you’ve believed? Give Him those too. Write it down and release it to Him. Let this be a year of learning from Him and receiving His promised rest for your soul.
PRAYER: Father, I’m tired of trying to do life on my own. I want to begin a new journey. Today, I bring my struggles, my pain, my self-effort, my disappointments, my doubt, my shame, and my fears to the foot of the cross. All of it. Today is a new day, a new beginning.
