Sequoia Robinson

I grew up with two siblings, and my parents were married up until a certain point in life. They were Christian’s, as I remember going to church as a kid, or maybe with grandparents, even, but of course, being that kid who fell asleep in church.

I recall some nights my mom and I would pray, and I just remember her almost being surprised when I remembered a prayer point from before. I don’t remember if my parents had me reading the Bible or if I had an understanding that stuck, that I could have a relationship with God through Jesus.

I knew Jesus died for my sins, but I don’t think the fall of mankind and the reconciliation knowledge stuck. I don’t know if I was even taught that, because later on in life, I came to a point where I said, “Great, he died for our sins.” I thought I didn’t have to worry about how I lived, as if it was okay to live however I wanted. (As I planned to most likely get drunk that night).

I just grew up saying bedtime prayers and praying over food, and this carried throughout my teenage and some of my adult years. My “faith” (I didn’t even know what a faith was, lol) looked like believing in the creator - that he exists. Going through the motions of what stuck from childhood, but not trusting in God or being relational with God, which is really important.

I do remember in high school having moments with my friends trying to be better and trying to do things like go to church, stop cursing and drinking, but that was about it. It wasn’t because of making Jesus Lord and Savior, so it was sort of pointless.

Eventually, I started asking what my purpose in life was and got deceived by new age, tarot readings, and witchcraft. That specific period went on for about 4 years, and being on social media and scrolling so much, I would come across videos on TikTok about Jesus. I think I started to believe, but still didnt fully understand the importance of things.

One day, I lost my job, and I was freaking out. My first thought was that I was going to have to manifest some coins like never before (all the new age stuff had never worked for me, but I kept trying, hoping for something different one day), and I prepared to do just that. I got on social media, looking for a manifestation that would work quickly, and I came across a video of a girl.

She was saying that the people trying to manifest and things like that need God and not all the other things we were doing. She may have mentioned that it was demonic because I came to a point where I was so confused. I didn’t understand how it was demonic, and I was going back and forth internally.

I was so conflicted that I just started crying. I said, “I just want to know the truth,” and I believe it was God who met me in that closet. It was as if I had a choice to make, but he was trying to reach me, awaken me, and show me a better way. He was drawing me to Jesus, and he began to reveal the truths to me, specifically the truth, the way, and the life.

He started opening my eyes to see how I was fooled and deceived, and I know he was the one saving me all of my life, but in that moment, something changed. He came with the best intentions for me. He met me in that closet and started to change the trajectory of my life and my heart.

It was a tough start for me, being so concerned about this life and not having a full understanding that this was all temporary and never thinking about an eternal perspective. I remember not even wanting to live, but he gave me a reason to live, and he gave me purpose.

I remember sitting with myself, trying to think why I should live, and living for God was the only thing that came to mind. It’s been tough for me, but he’s been there through it all. Giving me strength and a joy you wouldn’t think somebody would have with everything I was battling spiritually, on top of life circumstances.

One night, I had an out-of-body experience and was in danger. I could sense the evil, and I was so terrified, but you guessed it. He has proved himself to be true. The Bible says those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved, and I called on him multiple times.

To spare some embarrassing details and skip to the good part, he answered. I heard a voice behind me and felt him pat me on my shoulder, and he told me it’s okay. He’s been faithful, he’s lifted up my head and has even told me he loves me, and I don’t mean someone randomly saying “Jesus loves you,” I mean personally, to me directly.

He’s touched me in ways no one else could. One of the best days of my life was during a tough season when he told me he loved me. I had a spark no one could put out. Only Jesus can do that. Now, when I think about memories over the course of life, I see him and all the times he has pursued me. He’s reached out patiently and has literally been there even when I was deep in sin. He was there when he wasn’t even a thought to me — he’s faithful like none other.

Life is still hard, but with a God who is all-knowing and faithful, I wake up every day thankful for the breath in my body. I give him thanks for his mercy and grace and chances, because without him and who he is, I’d be lost in damnation for eternity.

He is a God who pursues us because he loves us and wants us to be with him in eternal life. I hope this has encouraged someone to keep going in their walk with Jesus, and for someone new to know that God pursues you. Even right now, as you read this, and we hope you’ll make Jesus Lord and Savior of your life, too.