MEET JAKE
AAIV UW
What have you learned from your personal walk with Christ?
My church has seen better days, starting with the leadership of the legendary Daniel Cohen and ending with my senior year in high school. I learned in those times that it’s easy being a Christian when it’s convenient. Then the fire nation attacked...
Just kidding, but my parents left the church. My community shattered as other families left too. I was abruptly forced into a leadership position that I wasn't prepared for, leading the worship band. I grew to resent it. Not only was I insecure about leading, but I was also upset about this change in my life. My attitude in leading became obvious to the rest of the youth group, which only consisted of 4 middle schoolers, and my faith became inauthentic. Resentment and bitterness built up in my heart toward my church, my parents, and even God.
Looking back at that part of my life, I learned a valuable truth about loving Jesus: It is not going to be a walk in the park. The world will batter you either spiritually, emotionally or physically. Whether if it is subtle or direct, small or big, the enemy will want me to turn my back on God. But in learning this truth, it led me to understand another truth, a beautiful, amazing truth: God will always welcome you back with open arms, regardless of what you have done or where you have been.
After my freshman year at UW and after experiencing the awesome community of AAIV, I sought healing. The summer after freshmen year at UW was different. I chose to change my attitude and go back to church. I led worship again and I didn’t care how I sounded to the youth group. And you know what, some of them (like 2), even started to sing more too. God is SO GOOD. My parents and I mended our broken relationship, and even more importantly, I pursued God. I pursued a genuine faith in my relationship with Him. My church is still in need of revival, but I have complete trust in my Saviour that he will transform the community where I first encountered His love.
Job 1:21 reads, “[and said]: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’”
Seriously, may the name of the Lord be praised, through the best of times and worst of times.