COURAGEOUS STORYTELLERS
During their eighth-grade year, students at St. Peter are invited to reflect on how knowing Jesus has impacted their lives. Today, we would like to share one of those testimonies with you, in the hope that it will encourage and strengthen you in your walk with Jesus.
 

Hello. My name is Genevieve Larson, and I have been going to St.Peter since I was two years old. I grew up going to church here at St. Peter. I’ve always had a connection with God. I’ve gone to Christian camps, gone to church all my life, and been rooted in faith. Little did I ever know that I would almost give up on God. On October 1st, 2024, in 7th grade, I was getting ready for school. To me, the day was normal. Then, I got a call from my aunt. Sadly, this was no ordinary call checking in, but it was to tell my family the message that my uncle had passed away in his sleep that night. He was only 54, a fireman, and was always kind of like a hero to me. I couldn’t ever imagine that he would be taken from my life so soon. I was scared; I was mad. Why? Why, was my question. Why would God ever take him so soon? This was the first time I experienced grief. Grief is one of the hardest things in life, and it was especially hard at the age of 12. I was at an all-time low in my life. I was ready to give up on God until I went to school the next day. In religion class, we were reading Mark, Mark 4:35. In this section, it talks about Jesus calming the storm. The disciples and Jesus were in an area of water near Galilee.  Jesus was asleep when a heavy storm arose. The disciples panicked; they were scared. They thought Jesus had given up and didn’t care that they were perishing. When Jesus awoke, He calmed the storm with one command. He asked the disciples why they were so fearful. At this point, the disciples realized that God is God, and he can do everything. So, let me go back to my question; Why? Why was I so afraid? Why did I panic? Why didn’t I let GOD take command? Since that day, I’ve learned that God is always with me, even in MY hardest storms. I’ve seen how He brings peace when I trust Him, and I try to remember that every time I face something difficult. So, instead of questioning faith that night, God allowed me to strengthen my faith. I decided to let GOD take the wheel. He does everything for a reason. And I know I can trust HIM  no matter what. 

Thank you Genevieve for sharing how God has changed your life. How has knowing Jesus made a difference in YOUR life?