Testimony - Revd Sarah Rosser
"Seeking purpose, I turned to fleeting sources of happiness but felt lost. A powerful moment in the Brecon Beacons led me to realize God’s presence, and I embraced faith. Church restored my hope, giving me joy that sustains me through life’s ups and downs. God’s love and forgiveness continue to free me, allowing me to grow and thrive."
As a Millennial I was one of the last generations that was regularly exposed to daily Christian assemblies at state schools, as well as churches large enough to run holiday clubs. My parents did not attend church regularly – so my journey of faith did not really come into fruition until I was 22 years old. As a young adult I found myself searching for something. I turned to unhelpful ways of living in order to find happiness – which if I ever found, was often short lived. I did not like who I was and every day I felt like I had no joy or hope.
One Spring day I was driving through the Brecon Beacons and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the area. Out of nowhere the thought that only God could be in creating something so magnificent – shortly followed by the thought – perhaps church was the answer to my despair. I have no idea why, other than now believing that God was reaching out to me in that moment. It was as if at that moment, all those seeds which had been planted in my childhood suddenly grew shoots.
I started attending a local church and I was filled with hope once again. I was excited to meet this Jesus that would forgive the things I had messed up. I had a sense of purpose knowing that God had his hand on my life and would help guide me through the difficult times. And it is not that there are no longer any difficult times – but rather I now have a deep sense of joy resulting from my faith. Joy is different to happiness – which comes and goes with our circumstances. Rather, the joy my faith brought was a foundation, that even if I am being shaken by life’s ups and downs like a building in an earthquake, I am able to stand firm knowing that God loves me and God is with me.
What is more, Jesus did not just forgive me that one time back when I was 22 years old. Rather, God’s love is never ending, and he continues to forgive me when I mess up and I come to him wanting to do better. We all make mistakes, and these can lead us to really dislike ourselves and stop us from flourishing. But when we know God’s love and forgiveness – we are freed from those feelings, and able to thrive as human beings.