Nana Mills-Robertson
East London
Before Christ, what was your world-world view?
Before Christ, I viewed life as a means of searching for happiness. That meant I was searching for worldly pleasures just so that I could experience that. I realised is that happiness is a fleeting emotion. It's dependent on all of our circumstances falling in line all the time - which is impossible as some things are out of our control. The joy that comes from the Lord can be still be experienced during difficult times as pure joy only comes from Him (which never changes.) Even when our situation looks bleak, we know that we can rest securely in Christ, who is walking with us.
When did you first hear the Gospel?
I first heard the Gospel while growing up in church as a child.
How did you feel about it?
When I first heard the Gospel, I felt unworthy. I couldn't understand why Jesus would sacrifice Himself for me. It just didn't make sense to me. I would often ponder: “why me?” as I didn't understand the love he had for me.
What was your biggest question before you became Christian?
I had many questions before coming to Christ, one question was: "why He died for me?" And another: "why doesn't God come down and talk to me in person?" That's something that I always wanted as a child, since I had experienced loneliness growing up. It's something that I still desire: to see Him face to face, especially when I face various trials.
What was the turning point in your attitude?
The turning point for me... was when I realised that running from God despite knowing the truth made absolutely no sense. I realised, albeit after a lot of running away, that the life He had in store for me had to be better than the life that I was living at the time.
When did it all change?
It all changed when I was at a low point in my life facing heartbreak. I was struggling to function. It all became too much. Growing up in the church, I was told God is a comforter and the best remedy for the pains in life. I wasn't sure what a new life in Christ entirely meant, but I knew that I desired to know more about Him and experience His love
What changes did you see in your life, actions, attitudes, problems (use specific examples). How long did it take before you noticed changes (be honest and realistic)?
I would say the real change began to happen a year or so after professing faith. The lack of immediate growth reflected my lack of consistency in reading the word; consistently surrounding myself with a Christian community, and developing my personal relationship with Him. Soon after giving my life to Christ, I went to University which was flooded by temptation. Admittedly, I put other things before God. However, The change I saw a year after was shocking, I was walking in my purpose and using my gifts and talents. Thankfully, my prayer life began to change and I began to discern more clearly the voice of God as I was spending more time with Him. He became a friend, and reading the Bible was no longer as difficult as I used to be confused. There was a clearer level of understanding when I read the word. I still love seeing how it applies to my life.
Where are you now? What is your favorite bible verse and why?
But He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness." Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP
One thing people don't talk about enough is the heart surgery that is involved with having a relationship with God. It can be painful confronting your sin and toxicity, and without this verse as encouragement from God, I'd never been able to go through the necessary heart refining process that is part of repentance.
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Advice to a Non-Christian?
Accepting Jesus allows you to experience the satisfaction of His Love that nothing in this world can give.
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