By Tanatswa Makara
My journey as a follower of Christ began in a church-going house.
Every Sunday was church day and every New Year’s Eve was spent in worship and prayer. Mothers, aunts, uncles cousins, an entire family tree from various denominations, gathered under one roof to worship God. It was beautiful!
Then in high school, my heart was strangely moved after hearing a pastor preach. Though I struggle to remember the sermon itself, one thing was clear:
I was convicted of the sinful nature I never knew I had.
Growing up in a church-going family, I had always assumed I was Christian. I had been around people to whom reading the Bible daily was almost a routine, and so I told myself I "practically was one."
However, on that day I was made aware of the weight of my sin, regardless of my own works, and how much I needed a Savior. I gave my life to Jesus that day.
But my self-righteousness lingered.
I still felt I had to "do something” to be right with God. And that pride made me aimless. I hopped from church to church, telling myself I was seeking something that "suited" me. I was seeking something perfect—”a perfect church.” I nitpicked everything, pushing away the body of Christ, and by the end, I had convinced myself that perhaps I was called to be a lone wolf.
But in those moments God brought the famous words of Matthew 11: 29-30,
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
These words brought me to tears. I realized that all my anxiety, restlessness, need for perfectionism had been me wrestling with God's loving kindness, unable to fully believe the work that Jesus finished on the cross.
I didn't have to be perfect. I didn't have to earn righteousness, because it was never about me. It was God that loved me first and sent Jesus to die for my sins.
1 Peter 2: 9-10 says,
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
I repented from my pride and rested in the assurance of my salvation. Though this journey has often been a struggle, I am thankful to God for bringing me to The Bridge Fellowship where I have learned to marvel at Christ's work amongst His people.
My journey has become one of growing in awe and wonder, and I daily look forward to walking with Jesus for His glory.
Tanatswa Makara was recently received into membership at The Bridge Fellowship.