I was brought up in a Christian home with both my parents being actively involved in the church as either an elder and/or a deacon. My first Bible was a board-book Bible depicting the life of Jesus. Sunday school was the norm for all of my family members and small group Bible study was on a weekly basis. That is a lot of time to spend reading the word of God. But I have found that you can read the same Bible passage over and over and have a different perspective each time.
I have learned that once I allow the Holy Spirit to show me the meaning of God’s word, my mind becomes more enlightened; I get more out of the Bible and greater understanding on how it applies to my life. God is amazing in how He has sent the Holy Spirit to help me see things I otherwise would not have seen. There are so many verses to pull from as points of reference; however, the following are on my most meaningful list:
o Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be with you. ~John 14:17
o The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ~John 14:26
When I was in high school I was spiritually born again. The words of the Bible were no longer just words on a page. Before I read the word of God, I ask that He sends the Holy Spirit to speak to me through my readings. I now can feel things I have never experience before and it is all due to the Holy Spirit opening the eyes of my heart. When God gives you spiritual ears and spiritual eyes, you feel encouragement and love. Your mind and heart has been enlightened. As a freshman in college I am faced with new pressures and problems. I remind myself that I cannot face these things alone and need His help and guidance. Allowing God to speak directly to me through His written word has helped me overcome many difficult situations.
An example of this is when I was a junior in high school. it was right around that time when there was a lot of pressure on me to decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I spent a lot of time in prayer, talking to God about this huge life decision I had to make. I have a huge passion for art and I knew I wanted a career that incorporated art. The only problem was that I knew I did not want to just be an artist.
It was a very stressful time in my life but with God’s help I made my decision. I remember researching different careers that incorporated art and I stumbled upon art therapy. It was at that moment that I felt something in my gut and I immediately went into prayer asking God “Is this it? Do you want me to pursue art therapy?” I had an odd yet comforting feeling in my gut and my heart that answered my questions. To this day it is the most powerful moment that I have ever had between me and God. It is also a moment in my life that reassures me that I cannot face big life decisions on my own.
~~Jenna M. Caroff