Testimony of Maria Diaz
3/22/2013
I was a somewhat practicing Catholic all my life. When I was young my friends and I would go to church together. We sat in the back row goofing off, only paying attention to when it was time to stand or kneel so we didn’t get in trouble. As I got older, going to church became a holiday thing, then I would just go on rare occasions.
Three years ago, I found myself empty and looking for God in my life and found he wasn’t there. My older son always had questions that I could not answer, I soon found out that he was a Christian and knew the lord by the age of 14 thanks to his best friend and the woman who took care of him while I was away on business trips. My son told me of the churches and bible studies he attended and how content he has been since giving his life to the lord. I was letting my sin take hold of my life and I was struggling especially with being a single unwed mother. I found myself trying to figure out a way to let it all go. I went to the priest for help and all he could tell me was I needed confession. I knew in my heart that was not the answer I was looking for, so I picked up my bible and starting reading. The more I read I started to understand the Lord’s sacrifice for me by dying on the cross to pay for my sins. I made the decision to seek out a church that would nurture my need for Jesus. Coming to Grace Bible Church I have been encouraged by Nancy Halpin as well as many of my sisters who have spent time talking, listening to me, guiding and praying with me. I knew I made the right decision to change my ways and follow Christ as the bible tells us to, because I am at peace with knowing that everything I do is to glorify him, and when I am in despair I can give it to him and he will provide what is needed.
Recently I came close to dying, lying in the hospital bed with tubes and machines attached to me I realized that whatever was going to happen was in gods hands and that I knew enough to trust him with whatever he decided my fait was going to be so I wasn’t afraid because I now know who Jesus is, he is my savior, the one who has paid for my sins, he died so that I could be forgiven and is seated at the right hand of the father and we are awaiting his return, which I joyfully await
Philippians 4:10-13, I rejoice greatly in the lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, weather well fed or hungry, weather living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I plan to take one day at a time on my walk with the lord, to trust and follow is instruction to the best of my ability. Today being baptized is a road to a new life for me with Jesus.