God Called Me Home

I was born into a Christian home with loving parents who taught me the ways of God. I fell in love with Jesus, and at the tender age of eight, I wanted to get baptized. That was considered too young, so I had to wait until I was twelve years old.

I was a very independent and confident child, so it did not matter that I was different from the rest of the children at school. I loved the Lord, and that was all that mattered to me. My mother, bless her, invested in me and sent me to piano lessons.

I played for the church, and this gave me purpose.

My relationship with Jesus grew as I spent time reading and studying the Scriptures along with the Spirit of Prophecy. Jesus used me to bless the church through singing, playing music, teaching Sabbath School, and speaking on Women’s Days.

It was a joy and a delight to serve my Jesus. I was active in the youth programs, attended youth camps, visited many churches, and extended my circle of friends.

My relationship with Jesus grew strong over the years.

I learned to trust Jesus with everything in my life, and my life goal was to become a schoolteacher. I met a handsome young man, and we were married and blessed with two beautiful boys. Though they are now grown men, they are still the joy of my life.

I continued to serve the church for many years.

But the enemy had been silently sowing seeds of doubt in my mind for a long time. I left the church and vowed never to go back. How did that happen? Overwhelmed with struggles at home, at church, and at work, I sank lower and lower. It was a very painful time. While I wanted Jesus, I did not want the church. As I drifted, the Light of Jesus became dimmer, but it never went out. I continued to sink into the depths of despair until . . . Jesus called this prodigal to come home. Someone, prompted by the Holy Spirit, sent me a video on the Sabbath. It reminded me of who I am and to whom I belong. I am a child of God and belong among His people. I no longer stand at the front of the church to inspire and encourage, but He has placed in my heart the desire to reach one soul at a time. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted. As Jesus reached out to me, I now reach out to others. The work is the Lord’s.

In humility, I trust Him to work within me and through me day by day. What a Savior!

Jennifer Billings