This is my witness, God is real without a doubt.
Like many new Christians I was waiting for proof or confirmation since going to Annesbrook Church in Nelson, New Zealand last year. My logical mind held me back, but am a witness to this proof with an epiphany.
I recall attending a church function as one of the newer people. The church's leader, Brent Liebezeit, went around the room praying for everyone individually. When it came my turn he told me everything would be OK. I was a single mum and my life was in some difficulty when my partner left after finding out I was pregnant.
Brent bemused me by saying he saw travel in my future—this was the furthest idea from my mind! He also said I would soon 'fly over' any issue with ease because I would have God by my side.
At the time I was like, 'What? I'm not going to be travelling any time soon! I'm a broke single mum on the benefit, struggling in every aspect to get by with my day to day of raising a baby 100% on my own.'
My parents are unable to help me, with my mum living at the top of the North Island and the other in Japan. I was alone. I said to myself: 'there is no way will I travel again'.
I quickly forgot all about this church function and the words of Brent, and I went on struggling with what I perceived to be a miserable life—suffering from low self-esteem and depression.
I had let men use me in exchange for some affection and I never offered myself any self-love. How else, I pondered, does a girl like me get affection?
Nine months later
Yes, I did travel and the way it happened was very much out of my control and I see God's hands all over it now.
Yes, I have found myself—and have grown from the experience.
I travelled to Brisbane (with my 18 month baby) and we stayed with this amazing Christian woman named Bridget and her young daughter. We went to her church, we talked about God, and I am now so unbelievably content with who I am and where I am, happy to be so much closer to myself and the Lord.
The Lord highlighted to me this memory of the church function and reminded me of what Brent Liebezeit had said into my heart. This was confirmation for me and now these months later I am gaining more and more understanding of the Lord's touch on my life.
I had been searching and I'm so excited to get to know the Lord more—now without the little voice in the back of my head telling me this is all stupid.
The situation
While in Australia I was able to stay with a minister and his wife in Tweed Heads for one night. In the course of our conversations, he asked me a question:
'Does all the hype of the media, magazines and films about sex and instant love ring true now?'
Of course not, now I see, but I could not be told, it was foreign to me. I can only pray those who read this might get a glimpse of insight into reality and the truth of God.
Moreover, I'm not even going to continue stressing about the debt I accumulated over my trip to Brisbane. This is in no way revoking my responsibility; it's a statement of: 'I've got this because God's got this'. #JESUSUNLIMITED
Laverne Heissner is from Nelson New Zealand and a forgiven single mum who is stepping out in faith into a new world where Jesus is Lord.