Brenda Chase's Testimony

I pretty much did my own thing before I knew Jesus and God did not enter my thoughts. I didn't think about it, but lived for the moment. I liked my work and hanging out with my unsaved friends. When my future husband got saved, I was saved about a month later. (In 1971 my twin brother was killed in a farm tractor accident. He was a believer who preached to me but I wanted nothing to do with it at the time.) I didn't know or think I needed to be saved until God opened my heart after my future husband got saved. He never knew my brother yet he started showing me the same scriptures my brother had talked about. (Lydia in Acts 16; she heard the word of God and God opened her heart.)

It's hard for me to remember these days but I know John 3:16 would have been one my earliest verses. I knew I was on the wrong path and God gave me understanding. God caused me to hear the word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I remembered also what my brother had told me. Jesus is the savior of the world. He came to earth to die for the sins of all who would believe. (John 3:16). He took my sin and exchanged it for His righteousness. (2 Cor.5:21) I believe God's word is true. I no longer walk the way I used to walk and now I desire to please Jesus. I was not even aware of eternity before I was saved but now I look forward to forever with Jesus. He saved me from my meaningless self-centered life. I look forward to one day being sinless when I am glorified. (Romans 7) Right now I suffer from Alzheimer's and the infirmities of growing older but one day these things will be gone and I will dwell in everlasting joy all because of Jesus. I have a living hope. Jesus is my hope. I am aware of eternity whereas I never thought about it when I was lost. I once was dead in trespasses and sins but now I am accepted in the beloved One. Even with my Alzheimer's God has given me great ability to remember scripture. I grow in grace. He continues to take away my rough edges. God has been merciful to me.  I used to teach Bible club earlier in life and my three children were raised in a stable home."

 I helped Brenda with her answers because it was somewhat difficult for her; however    I am familiar with her story. I tried not to put words in her mouth. --Peter Chase