My Story: What does Salvation look like? Exploring the Path to Hope and Redemption.

"So, what does salvation look like?" a friend asked. The question lingered in the air, and as I considered it, my mind wandered back to a Sunday at church, a moment that's etched in my memory.

As the woman's question about salvation lingered through the day, it transported me back to the day I first received salvation. John 3:16 (NIV) flashed through my mind: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Reflecting on my own experience, I knew that salvation isn't just a lofty idea; it's the most powerful event in one's life. While we may perceive bombs as powerful in the natural realm, salvation surpasses them all. It's an instant transformation of not only destination but also thoughts, presence, healing, wealth, balance, restoration, and growth. (And a million other things). Its profound impact is truly unexplainable.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" To speak lightly of Salvation would say the old me was gone and a new me emerged. Therefore, I couldn't wait to share this journey with her.

So, here's a glimpse into what salvation looked like for me - not a final destination but an ongoing journey, finding peace, life, growth, and strength during life's storms. And please know from this one moment, I could write ten books on what John 3:16 means and the transformative power of 2 Corinthians 5:17. It's astounding. And so could the rest of God's people who are living it out — and I am bluntly not including those who go to church as spectators only. Just because someone goes to church does not make them a believer. And we need to be able to distinguish the difference between believers and non-believers sitting in a church building.

Basically, for believers, they are still in "church" not just Sunday but also Monday- Saturday

and their lives show the fruit of being in the presence of Jesus.

No fruit, No Jesus.

God recognizes His followers as those who wholeheartedly seek Him, displaying a sincere love for their neighbors that mirrors their self-love. This love goes beyond mere sentiment, translating into tangible acts of compassion and kindness. Moreover, God's people are defined by their adherence to His commandments, actively incorporating the principles and teachings from His Word into their daily lives. These criteria underscore the importance of fostering a profound and authentic connection with God, demonstrating genuine love for others, and adhering to divine guidance.

However, the paramount element in all these qualities is the acknowledgment that God's people reside under the sovereign reign of a King – Jesus. They have declared

Jesus as their Lord with heartfelt conviction and vocal affirmation, solidifying their acceptance into the divine canopy of His authority.

Relevant Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Matthew 22:39 (NIV) - "Love your neighbor as yourself." John 14:15 (NIV) - "If you love me, keep my commands."

I rented a very small home in a town called Ball. My landlord would occasionally invite me to church, and I always kindly declined. He never preached or pushed; he just kept on walking. However, he did give me the name and location of the church. Eventually, I decided to go, and on the second day......

I need to rewind a minute to paint a clearer picture:

Not to dwell too deeply on the past, but to shed light on where I stood prior to the moment of salvation, I must condense 25 years of life into a few paragraphs. Between the ages of 15 and 17, I yearned to escape home, and so I did. "Anywhere" for me included attending parties, clubs and experimenting with various drugs, not because that's what I wanted to do but because that is what everyone else seemed to be doing that I knew. (Your circle matters) It involved hitchhiking from one state to another, living without boundaries, and embracing a reckless lifestyle. I found myself hanging around the wrong people, who were as lost as I was, seeking a place to belong and feel accepted. So, I gravitated towards those who shared my blindness, only to realize we were all stumbling aimlessly together.

From 17 to 20, my life continued on a similar trajectory, only now I had a car and a job. Miraculously, I didn't end up in jail with DUIs or worse. Despite being a terrible student and failing college twice, I managed to stay afloat as a worker bee. However, everything changed when I became a mother, and that's when God got ahold of my heart. I know many of us can relate to this!

The love I had been desperately searching for, in part, I now carried in my womb. Becoming a mother had a profound impact on me, and God, in His infinite wisdom, blessed me with twins. The struggle was undeniably real, and it transformed my life. My mistakes began to fade as I shifted from a reckless lifestyle to a more purposeful one, gradually gaining a grasp on the complexities of building my own family. So, in 1992 the most pivotal moment in my life was becoming a mother.

By 1996, I find myself living in the Bible Belt, and life has taken a drastically different turn. People here are kinder, and their warmth completely caught me off guard. I struggled to handle the kindness and attention; it sent my brain into a whirlwind. My confidence was nonexistent, and even a simple question about my life or who I was could trigger a cascade of anxiety and small internal crises, called strokes or TIA's.

I was working in cardiology as an EKG technician, and while I could proficiently explain the tests to my patients when it came to talking about myself, words eluded me. To navigate the intense anxiety that surged within me during unexpected personal inquiries, I developed a strategy of deflecting the conversation. It unfolded something like this:

Patient: "How are you, Amanda?"

Me: "I'm good, thanks."

As the patient continues to show interest in me, I feel myself triggered into a state of panic. It's a flight or fight response, and I'm desperately trying to hold myself together, feeling like I'm falling apart inside. If I don't act quickly, I fear I might collapse onto the floor and become the patient myself. So, in a moment of quick thinking, I divert the conversation away from myself by mentioning my twins.

Immediately, the focus shifts, and I find myself able to talk more freely as people are always interested in twins. Yet, despite the distraction, I remain in the danger zone, knowing that the only relief I can find is in isolation and replenishing my electrolytes. These small strokes, called TIAs, disrupt my vision and speech. By the time the test is done on the patient, the harm is already there, but thankfully, it's minimal and manageable, for the most part.

The effects of these TIAs were disorienting;

the floor looked dilapidated,

making it difficult to judge my footing.

My speech was completely affected making me want to flee the room, asap.

Clutching tightly to my EKG machine, I walked back to cardiology with intense focus, hoping to make it without stumbling. Another impact was evident when pressed to continue talking without diverting the conversation. If faced with someone probing into my life, my speech would become garbled. Simple requests like asking for salt might come out as bizarre statements like "pass me the elephant." In those moments, a quick exit plan became essential to find solitude and recover.

This habit of swiftly escaping, even from what most would consider safe environments, was my attempt to preserve what little remained of myself after years of engaging in parties, promiscuity, drinking, drugs, hitchhiking, associating with biker clubs, and frequenting bars.

I faced several medical issues that landed me in the hospital multiple times, but the worst were the ambulance trips due to heart issues. As a single parent, these trips not only provided urgent medical care in an ambulance but also afforded my twins with police escorts to the hospital. For young boys, riding with the police was quite cool. On one of those critical days, my heart stopped three times.

The most grueling battles emerged from a combination of brain and heart issues. It's essential to grasp that our experiences find their origins in the spiritual realm. The struggle for my mind and heart began during my teenage years, marking the commencement of an intense battle that lasted years. The devil's aim was not solely to lure me into creating chaos in the dark corners of his realm. No, his sinister agenda extended to an outright attempt to eradicate me.

Even before I embraced Christianity, there was a presence of God in my life that wasn't of my own making. I attribute it to the prayers of my Granny, a devout Christian whom I barely knew as she lived in another state, Louisiana. (To which I move to eventually).

An incident that strongly indicates the impact of her prayers occurred when I was about 5 or 6 years old. I was casually walking through the living room, passing by the TV that happened to be on. Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks, turned around, and went back to stand right in front of the TV. A commercial came on demonstrating how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself if you ever choked. I attentively watched the commercial, then resumed my day of play.

That same day, my mom was taking me and my newborn brother to a doctor's appointment. She placed me in the car first and went back inside the house to fetch him. As I waited in the backseat, I discovered a round piece of candy and decided to eat it and as I did, I suddenly choked. There I was, alone in the backseat, grabbing at my throat, unable to breathe. I even caught a glimpse of myself turning blueish-purple-green in the rearview mirror. I was on the brink of death, and no one knew.

Suddenly, the memory of the Heimlich maneuver commercial I had seen just a few hours earlier flashed in my mind. Without a second thought, I punched myself in the stomach right below my ribs, and that piece of candy flew out of my mouth onto the dashboard of my mom's car.

Not even two minutes later, my mom opened the door to put my brother in the car. I kept silent because I didn't want to get into trouble. Throughout the entire journey to wherever we were going, I stared at the purple round ball of candy on the dashboard – a chilling reminder of the near-miss with a potentially life-threatening situation and the miraculous intervention that made me watch a commercial, ultimately saving myself from the impending danger and possible death.

So, despite not living a righteous life at the time, there was undeniably a protective shield surrounding me and, later, my young children. This shield wasn't due to my actions but rather because my Granny faithfully attended church, was part of the kingdom of God, and fervently prayed for her granddaughter. It's a profound reminder never to underestimate the power of prayer.

Fast forward to the day, I found myself in church, on the verge of walking forward to declare that I wanted Jesus as my Lord and Savior:

I had only been in church a few times as an adult, and I think this was just my second visit. I didn't understand much of what they were saying, as I knew not one scripture or Bible story. Yet, as they asked who wanted to receive salvation and profess Jesus as their King, something stirred deep within me. My internal world went into overdrive! My brain couldn't wrap around what was happening, especially with my previous heart and brain issues already putting my senses on overdrive.

John 6:44 (NIV) reveals Jesus' words, stating, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."

This verse suggests a divine initiative in a person's journey toward God, emphasizing the Father's role in drawing individuals to Jesus. I was being called. (Note: all experiences are different so don't think if this didn't happen to you that it's not for you. God treats us individually. You will know. It might be total peace you receive, or a simple pull/ desire, even curiosity, possibly all of it.)

My heart danced within as the altar call was given. I found myself propelled into action, led by an inner impulse, yet I remained glued to my seat. Despite the conflict between my desire to step forward and the apprehension held by my mind and fear, an invisible battle ensued. Despite the resistance from my intellect, a glimmer of hope and a longing for a new beginning emerged, along with the notion of relinquishing control to someone other than myself – Jesus. Though unfamiliar with Him, trust in the prevalence of churches in the Bible Belt and the presence of good-hearted individuals within them led me to consider giving it a chance.

The next thing I knew, I was on my feet,

Walking down the aisle,

With two 5-year-olds trailing behind,

Taking the lead,

I reached the front.

The pastor's eyes fell on me,

And he asked, "What brings you here?"

With the smallest, mousiest voice, I uttered,

"I want to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior."

The crowd clapped and erupted in joy,

I must have appeared a mess,

Being 8 months pregnant and alone!

Two weeks later, with my granny in attendance, I found myself preparing to be baptized. She was so happy!!!!

As the water enveloped me, a cleansing sensation swept over me, purifying me. My sins, like a canvas, were painted over with the crimson brushstrokes of Jesus' blood. Every misstep and wrongdoing, etched into the fabric of my life, was veiled by a man unknown to me until then. This man, Jesus, turned out to be the fulfillment of my lifelong yearning, a void I unsuccessfully tried to fill with people, drugs, and reckless living.

Though the devil harbors animosity towards all, both Christian and non-Christian, his singular aim remains unchanged: to obliterate every aspect of your being. However, through salvation, God performs a divine transformation, fashioning a new heart within you. As Jesus was buried, so too is your old self, and from this burial emerges a new life, just as you are resurrected with Jesus. This, in essence, is the essence of baptism: the drowning of the old self and the emergence of the new You.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV): "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Finally, I encountered the right man, Jesus. His presence, an ever-present companion, manifested in a constant reassurance, a gentle whisper proclaiming, "I'm here." In moments of solitude, in times of trial, a new presence stood with me, affirming, "You're not alone. You can do this. I've got you. I'm still here. I love you, Amanda. I'm thinking of you, Amanda. Keep going." This divine presence became a steadfast companion through tears, struggles, and moments of growth.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

In the presence of God, I found a teacher who guided me through the lesson's life presented. He, my redeemer, not only stood by me but also lived within me. The one who took my place, offering peace and strength. Although human language falls short in describing this profound connection, my thoughts have never been void of God. Never.

Over the next couple of years all my strokes and heart issues went away. I learned that Jesus heals, and I stood on 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you (that's now me) have been healed." Key word here is "healed". It's past tense, meaning it's already done!

I just didn't get healed, but I received a brand-new heart, a brand-new life. God did not just hand over a plate of blessings and say, "Here, take these". I had to understand that in all things I have choices: I can believe the culture of the world, or I can believe the WORD of God given to us and apply all its principles. This is the learning-curve and it never ends but it is so enjoyable!

At this moment, you might be wondering, "What's the deal? I don't sense this connection to Jesus. I don't share your feelings. In fact, I feel quite the opposite. Or maybe you're just thinking, 'Good for you, girl, but that's not my thing!'

Allow me to explain without hesitation:

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV): "The god of this age (satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Don't let this stir anger or doubt within you; it's not a coincidence that you're reading this. God desires you to know the truth, and part of that truth is the presence of an intentional destroyer roaming the earth, seeking to consume through deception and lies. While you may have believed those lies before, moving forward, if you choose to believe them, it's a conscious decision because I've shared a different perspective with you.

If you're skeptical, ask God to reveal Himself to you.

He will.

Come to Jesus. As you do, everything that blinds you will be lifted. Its super-natural. Immerse yourself in His teachings. Receive a new Heart and a new Life, and lead others on this journey with you!

It's lived before it's understood. And once understood, words fall short. That's why it begins with Faith—It's a supernatural awakening.

"Dear Lord Jesus,

I acknowledge that I am a sinner and in need of your forgiveness. I believe that you came to this world, died on the cross for my sins, and rose again. I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness. I invite you to come into my heart and be my Lord, and Savior. Thank you for your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."

If you prayed this let me know and I will send you a care package to start your Journey!

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Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.