A
NEW FAMILY
God is the One who made all things, and
all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory.
Hebrews 2:10a
Growing up I had two loving parents,
loving brothers and loving sisters in a loving Christian home. Thinking back we
had our typical family problems like most families. Like which one of us girls
could use the telephone first. Or which one of us could use the car for the
weekend. But most of the time I can honestly say God blessed me with a very
awesome childhood upbringing. To this day I am still close with my family, more
then I have ever been. Maybe it’s because I have a family of my own now and
know what my parents had to deal with. I always wondered what causes those gray
hairs. (LOL) Looking back I can
honestly say, I would not change a thing from my past.
One of God’s purposes in life is for us is
to be part of his family. He actually planned this long before we were even
born. God didn’t need a family, he desired one and that’s where we fit in. He
created a plan to create us, bring us into his family and share with us all he
has. This makes God feel so loved and important just like it is important for
us to have our biological families. Just like your biological father, God
becomes our Father and we become his children. Other believers become our
brothers and sisters too!
This past year, I was born again (again)
and accepted the Lord into my heart. I now have a new family. With this family,
I now have a spiritual family. I also have a church family that has been my
rock this past year. They make me feel so loved and they are always there when
I need support or a shoulder just to cry on. Growing up and attending church I
never realized how important attending church and getting together with other
believers is. Now that I am older, I understand how important it is to be with
other believers. I am kind of a shy person so when I first walked into New Hope
City Church, I was tempted by silly Satan to just go back into my car and drive
off but that didn’t happen. I walked into the church for the first time and I
was welcomed with open arms and hugs. It’s like that now with every time that
we meet or get together. People really care at our church and in your walk with
the Lord, it is so important to have that Church Family for support, love,
advice, testimonies, etc. and just to be there for you! Our Pastor always
quotes “We don’t want to walk this walk alone” That’s awesome because right now
and forever, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Having a church family has
really moved me out of my shyness shell. It has taught me to show love and
really care about others as God does. I am learning real fellowship and being
dependent on each other. That’s such an awesome feeling! I am so thankful I
didn’t get back into my car that night!
You are members of God’s very own family,
citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other
Christian. Ephesians 2:19
Victoria E. Smoak
