The Hollybells/Marnie Stebner

My Personal Testimony: Finding Love and Purpose

​

I was only five years old, riding with my dad in our VWBug on the way to the supermarket, when a sermon came on the radio. The pastor read “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

 

Then he continued, “But God showed His passionate love for us in that while we were still lost in sin, Jesus (his son) died in our place. (Romans 5:8)

​

Something happened inside me in that moment.

 

My heart began to burn-not with fear but in a way I can only describe as a longing to respond to the love I was hearing about. I asked my dad to pull the car over, right there in the supermarket parking lot

​

because I wanted to pray. I then asked Jesus to forgive me...and I thanked Him for loving me.

 

What happened next is something I’ve never forgotten.

​

It felt as though a warm, tangible wave of God’s love filled the entire car-and also filled me. Even at that young age, I knew His presence. I knew this was real.

​

My journey of faith has continued from that day on. It hasn’t been without doubts or questions. I’ve faced seasons of feeling purposeless, times of high anxiety and depression. There were days when I wondered if God truly loved me.

​

But each time, God’s Word has pulled me back to truth.

​

The Bible has been my anchor-steady, unchanging, and rich with reminders of who God is and who He says I am. Whenever my mind drifts, His Word realigns my heart. It keeps drawing me back to the foundation that carries me through every season.

​

I am loved.

I am held.

I have purpose-because of Him.

​

And woven into my life ever since childhood has been the verse that reminds me who God calls me to be:  

 

“You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14​ 

 

This is my life verse.  It reminds me that even in my weakest or most uncertain moments, God’s light can shine through me. I don’t have to be perfect! His love gives my life meaning, direction and purpose.