My Journey Towards Spiritual and Physical Wellness

When I was ten, my parents introduced me to church, and I began attending the Student Spiritual Convocation (SSC) at Elizabeth Church, New Jersey. This was my first encounter with sermons and hymns since my baptism, and I felt I had found my spiritual home.

Years passed, and despite regular SSC attendance, I didn’t receive the Holy Spirit. I saw others receiving spiritual solace from their church communities and wondered why I felt devoid of the same. This feeling of spiritual isolation began affecting my mental health during high school, eventually leading to depression.

During this period, I realized that my mental state was not just a reflection of low spirituality but was also impacting my physical health. I sought comfort from my church friends, but due to distance, they could only provide moral support. I realized I needed a change and began contemplating the next steps in my life as high school neared its end.

As I applied for college, I prayed to be accepted at Rutgers University, New Jersey, where I believed the presence of a church and a fellowship would bolster my faith. But despite my prayers and my parent’s support, I ended up at the University of North Carolina (UNC).

At UNC, away from my church community and family, loneliness engulfed me. I frequently found myself questioning God’s plan for me. With the passage of time, I understood that I had to seek solace in God and nurture my spirituality independently. I developed a routine of prayer, hymn singing, Bible reading, and listening to sermons which helped me stabilize my faith. I finally relieved my burden to the Lord, as Jesus said in “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

During the National Youth Theological Seminar (NYTS), a verse from the Bible resonated with me: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8, 9) This verse brought clarity to my journey, and I realized God had a grand plan for me, and my trials were intended to strengthen my faith.

After ten years of prayer, I received the Holy Spirit at twenty. This precious gift brought transformative changes to my life, helping me to overcome depression and regain optimism. The Holy Spirit illuminated my path, reaffirming my belief in God’s guidance.

Living in a remote area, facing loneliness, and enduring physical and mental challenges have indeed been trials. But these trials, rather than being stumbling blocks, have turned into steppingstones, strengthening my faith. Even in the most challenging times, the promise of God’s guidance brings hope, turning what seems initially discouraging into a journey filled with spiritual and physical wellness.

At the True Jesus Church, we are a community of believers who support and uplift one another. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Join us for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. We look forward to seeing you!

Please find our church location below:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org