One particular Sunday, I was in Sunday school and Darren was talking about Jesus coming again. I had heard many times that just as Jesus had once come down to earth as a baby, he would again return as Lord and King to judge the earth, yet somehow, as Darren was telling the story it seemed new to me, and it really struck me that Christ really was coming back again. It was coming to the end of the story when Darren asked the question “If Christ was to return today, would you be ready?” In that split second I really felt as though Darren was talking to me, “…would you, Polly, be ready?” and I knew at that moment that the answer was no. That question “would you be ready?” repeatedly played itself over in my mind throughout that day, and as I went to bed that night I knew that I had to accept Christ; so I prayed to God, believing in my heart that he sent his son to die for me, and asked Him for forgiveness. I immediately felt a peace that if Darren was to ask that same question again, I would be able to answer “yes” with confidence.

Although I was saved at the age of about 10, it wasn’t until I got older that I truly understood what it meant to be a Christian and have Christ living in me. Choosing to hand my life over to God means that I no longer have to carry things single-handedly, but instead I can hand my problems over to God, and know I don’t have to worry, as He has everything under control. Becoming a Christian doesn’t just mean I am guaranteed a place in Heaven when I die, but I am also guaranteed a permanent support, comforter and guide whilst on earth. In the Bible, Christ promises “never will I leave you or forsake you” and this has proved to be true on so many occasions. There are so many times that I’ve let go of God’s hand, pushed Him away, and tried to do things independently, thinking I know better; yet God is always there holding on, and is there ready to pick us up when we fail and fall without Him. That’s the great thing about our God; He can see right to the very depths of our hearts, knows all our faults, and all the times we let Him down, and yet He loves us so deeply regardless. I make mistakes and fail God all the time, and yet He is such a loving, gracious God that He lays undeserving forgiveness on me time and time again.

To me, Jesus isn’t someone who walked this earth thousands of years ago, and someone I’ll one day meet in Heaven, but instead is my closest, most loyal friend, who I meet on a daily basis. Christ has been with me at the highest points in my life and also at the times I’ve been so low; He truly is the ultimate friend, and I know I have no reason to be fearful in this life or feel alone. One of my favourite Christian songs starts with the words “Lord, I come to You, let my heart be changed, renewed” – as in order for me to become a Christian, I had to change and stop living for myself and instead live for Christ. However, it doesn’t stop there; although I don’t have to become a Christian everyday, each morning I do have to make the decision to live that day for Christ. As a sinner I am unable to do this, and so I have to approach God each day to ask for His strength. Jesus chose to live His life for sinners, like me, who were without hope, and in return I have chosen to live my life for Him, in gratitude of what he has done.