Who Led You to the Lord?

Monday, April, 26,2021 Who You to the Lord? Jer 29:11 and John 3:16 Anne Ward

I grew up in an orthodox/conservative Jewish family. I attended Sunday school and Hebrew school each week and had a Bat Mitzvah at the age of 13 and confirmed in 10th grade. My dream was to be the first woman Rabbi.

I had many Christian friends, Yet never spoke of Jesus and the New Testament. I only studied the Old Testament. I don’t believe it was one person or one moment that brought me to Christ. It was small stepping stones and Individual influence and prayers along my life journey. The biggest step was when I went off to finish High School in N. Ga. It was my senior year, I met my friend Lara Lane. We would gather in her room and have conversations, where she would ask questions about Judaism and I of Christianity. It was very enlightening and where my questions began. That is when I began to pray for clarity in a more personal way. I never wrote in my Bible; however, I highlighted (Old Testament) Jer.29:11. I graduated and went home for the summer to get ready for college. The college I was attending was a Methodist Women’s College in SC.

Upon entering college, I met a great group of friends. These friends would gathered in the boiler room across from my room to meet to pray. They would continue to ask me to come join them; however, I was hesitant. As I got to know some of the girls better, I realized there was something I was missing. I couldn’t put my finger on it, yet knew it was a void. When they asked me to join them again, I said yes. I joined them and just sat and listened. Upon returning to my room, I laid in bed realizing what it was. I thought back to my conversations with my friend Laura Lane. It was Christ! I couldn’t sleep and was fearful at the same time. I thought what would my parents think and say?

I wrote my dad a letter about my feeling of missing something in my life, since I didn’t see the joy that I saw on my friends faces and in their hearts. I asked why I felt it seemed they were apathetic because I didn’t see that joy. Everything was rote in our prayers. The personal touch seemed to be missing. Not long after I wrote the letter, I received a letter back from my dad, explaining to me that they were not apathetic; however, very protective of their culture and hard work to have what always seemed to be taken away. They were as I know very loving and I was very fortunate when I shared what my thoughts were in thinking of accepting Christ. My father wrote, my dear, whatever you decide, we will always love you. Also, whatever you do, do 100%.

The next prayer meeting, I accepted Christ into my heart. John 3:16 was my first scripture of the New Testament! I was so excited! I couldn’t stop smiling. That is when, I really began to study and bought a complete Bible, Old and New Testament. Many questions ahead and much to learn. Being the first woman Rabbi turned into being a Disciple for Christ!

After graduation, it was a roller coaster life. I slipped away from the Lord. I moved to Atlanta to teach school. I met my ex-husband. He converted to Judaism and we were married had 2 sons, and raised them Jewish. Fast forward, not being my choice, we divorced. I was living in Texas at the time and knew I needed to move back towards home. I settled in Atlanta, where I reside today. I had to go back and forth until the divorce was settled. Once settled I drove one of our cars back to Atl. It is then when I cried out to God, saying Lord I need you. Are you there? It was as if He were sitting in the front seat with me, I heard Clearly, “I didn’t leave you, You left me. I have Always been here for you.” I just cried and sang all the way back to Atlanta. I bought a home next to a wonderful Christian family. They invited me to Church and soon after I joined and became very active in the singles group and working with children in sports.

Jer.29:11 means more now as I have learned It’s a promise of life when in the middle of worrisome problems we can have peace. Having faith, believing in God, means trusting that His plan is what’s best for us, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. Some things might never make sense in this life. It must have seemed that way to the Israelites that died in captivity; however, I realized that God can see things we cannot. He is constantly designing a story we haven’t a clue of. One day things will be revealed, and we will see the larger picture. Until then we have this promise. God is in control and we can find peace and rest in that. Rather it’s a promise that we can hope because the God we serve has overcome death and is walking beside us. This verse is telling us that while life will get incredibly difficult at times, it is God who is in control. And while the difficult season might not end tomorrow, God is still there and He will bring His people through it in His time and with His plan.

I’d like to thank my friends and family who have been instrumental blessings by praying for me and loving me through it all. To my friend Laura Lane for the time we spent learning from each other and for your silent prayers for me to know Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, Give us faith during the times we are weary, discouraged and down. Inspire us to trust in your promises. Lord give us courage when our faith waivers. Help us to obey your word no matter how challenging it may seem or how discouraged we feel. Thank You for loving us unconditionally and giving us a bright and eternal future in Jesus. Please help us live more consciously aware of this great gift ,knowing YOU are ALWAYS there and to ALWAYS LOOK UP!!! In Jesus Name I prayer