From Religion to Relationship: My Journey to Knowing Jesus

‘My Journey to Knowing Jesus’: In this, our first Guest Post, born-again Christian Merry explores her journey to Jesus and finding a deep connection with God after a life filled with struggles and hardship; finding peace and love in the arms of The Lord.

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From childhood, I was taught to follow Jesus. I grew up knowing about Him, going to church, and practicing all the religious traditions. But despite all of this, I never truly understood what it meant to be a child of God. I was just going through the motions, following Jesus as a religious Christian, but my heart was far from Him. “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:8)

I was lost – distant from Jesus

Before my born-again experience, I was lost—completely distant from Jesus. My life was filled with struggles—broken relationships, financial hardships, and deep loneliness. I felt like I was falling apart, carrying burdens that seemed impossible to bear. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

I longed for love, searching for it in people, but time and time again, I was left heartbroken. The world could not give me the love I so desperately needed. No one truly understood me, and I felt utterly helpless, like I was drowning with no one to save me. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

My Heavenly Father truly loves me

But then, in my darkest moment, when I had reached the end of myself, Jesus spoke to me. He met me in my brokenness, in my hopelessness, and He loved me. It was at that moment that I became aware of how much my Heavenly Father truly loves me. It was not just a love I had read about—it was real, deep, and life-changing. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Through his love, I found healing

Through His love, I found healing. I no longer needed to chase after the approval of people because I realized I was already fully known and fully loved by God. My identity was no longer in my struggles or my past but in Jesus Christ. I was not just a follower of religious practices anymore—I became a child of God, embraced in His grace and mercy. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)

Now, Jesus has fully transformed me. He has taught me how to manage relationships with God’s love, just as He teaches us in the Bible. For so long, I was never able to build a good relationship with anyone. I struggled with trust, communication, and feeling unworthy of love. My relationships were filled with misunderstandings, disappointments, and pain. But Jesus changed all of that. He showed me what true love looks like—the love that is patient, kind, and selfless. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

He taught me how to forgive, how to extend grace, and how to love others the way He loves me. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Now, I approach relationships with love & patience

Now, instead of seeking validation from the world, I approach relationships with the love, patience, and wisdom that come from Him. I no longer feel the need to chase after people’s approval because I know I am already cherished by my Heavenly Father. Jesus has shown me how to walk in grace and how to reflect His love to those around me. My relationships are no longer built on my own strength but on His unfailing love, and that has made all the difference. “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Looking back, I see that everything I went through led me to this moment. My pain, my loneliness, and my failures brought me to the feet of Jesus, where I finally found the love, peace, and purpose I had been searching for all along. Now, I walk in the assurance that I am never alone. Jesus is with me, guiding me, loving me, and strengthening me each day. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

If you feel lost, broken, or like no one understands you, know that Jesus is waiting for you too. His love is greater than any struggle, and He is ready to welcome you with open arms. He turned my life around, and He can do the same for you. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

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About the Author:

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