How I Grew Closer to God - By: Avery Raquel
My Testimony: My Journey with Jesus Christ
This is my personal testimony about my journey of faith, repentance, healing, obedience, and growing closer to Jesus Christ over the years.
My Decision to Follow Jesus
For many years, I longed for Jesus. Deep in my heart, I knew He was real, even when I did not fully understand everything I was experiencing.
About five years ago, I made a life-changing decision. I gave my life completely to Jesus Christ and committed myself to following Him wholeheartedly.
From that moment, my relationship with God became intentional and daily. I no longer wanted to simply know about Him. I wanted to know Him personally, obey His Word, and allow Him to transform every area of my life.
My Spiritual Growth
Prayer became one of the most important parts of my walk with God. Every day, I prayed. Some prayers were long, others were short, but I remained consistent.
Over time, I began fasting, praying more deeply, and intentionally spending time in God's presence.
I also became more committed to reading the Word of God. I did not expect to understand everything immediately. I simply kept reading, praying, learning, and trusting the Holy Spirit to help me grow in understanding.
As my relationship with God deepened, so did my awareness of how much I needed Him in every area of my life.
James 4:8 KJV
God Began Changing Me
As I grew spiritually, God began revealing areas of my life that needed change.
One of those areas was unforgiveness. Letting go was not easy because some of the pain came from betrayal, disappointment, rejection, and experiences that had deeply affected me.
But walking with Jesus required me to stop allowing old wounds to control my heart.
Through prayer, repentance, obedience, and the healing work of God, I began releasing what I had carried for so long.
Philippians 4:13 KJV
Healing did not mean pretending that painful things never happened. It meant allowing God to change what those experiences were producing inside of me.
Repentance and Obedience Changed My Walk
One of the greatest lessons I learned is that spiritual growth requires more than prayer alone. It also requires obedience.
When God showed me something that needed to change, I had to make a decision. I could continue doing things my own way, or I could surrender and obey Him.
The more I chose repentance and obedience, the more transformation I began to see in my life.
God does not only want our words, prayers, or worship. He also wants our obedience.
I am not perfect. I still have to examine myself, repent when necessary, and continue growing. But I strive daily to live a life that is submitted to God.
What Helped Me Grow
- Daily prayer.
- Reading and studying God's Word.
- Fasting and seeking God intentionally.
- Repenting when God corrected me.
- Choosing obedience over my own desires.
- Letting go of unforgiveness.
- Sharing what God had done in my life.
- Continuing even when spiritual growth felt uncomfortable.
My Purpose Today
Today, my heart is to help other people draw closer to God, especially those who feel lost, broken, confused, discouraged, or unsure of where to begin.
I understand what it feels like to need guidance, healing, direction, and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
That is one reason I share prayers, biblical teaching, encouragement, and my testimony. I want people to understand that a relationship with God can become real, personal, and life-changing.
God is faithful, and I believe what He has done in my life can encourage someone else to seek Him too.
Psalm 66:16 KJV
If You Are Just Beginning Your Journey
You do not have to understand everything at once.
Start by talking to God. Read His Word. Ask Him to show you what needs to change. Be willing to repent, obey, forgive, and keep growing.
There may be areas of your life that God begins to confront. Some changes may be uncomfortable, but transformation often requires surrender.
Do not give up simply because growth takes time.
Philippians 1:6 KJV
Final Encouragement
God restores, heals, teaches, corrects, strengthens, and transforms those who sincerely turn to Him.
No matter your past, your struggles, or how far away from God you may feel, you can begin seeking Him today.
My journey has taught me that walking with Jesus is not about pretending to have everything together. It is about remaining surrendered to Him and allowing Him to continually shape your life.
Give Jesus your whole heart and allow Him to transform your life.
Your story may still be unfolding, but God is able to do more with a surrendered life than you could ever imagine.