Tears filled “Anna’s” eyes as she considered what Stephanie had said.
“I always feel so guilty,” she exclaimed. “Nothing I ever do is enough! I just cannot do enough.”
___
Mormonism had been a central part of Anna’s life growing up. She’d tried to find a relationship with God – to please him – but after years of striving, she’d arrived in college feeling defeated and distant from him.
In her first week at the University of Utah, she noticed Cru’s display, welcoming freshmen.
“I saw your table, and it mentioned that I could have a more personal relationship with God,” she’d told Stephanie, when they met for coffee. “That’s what I’ve been looking for.”
Then Anna began to share her story.
As she listened, Stephanie began to silently pray, asking the Holy Spirit for the right words to lovingly and truthfully explain the difference between Mormonism and Christianity.
When Stephanie began to speak, she felt the Spirit fill her mind and heart with words. All Anna’s life, she’d been striving to earn God’s approval and forgiveness, she explained. But the Bible tells us that Grace is a gift. By trying to pay the wage for her own sin, she would earn death.
“But God’s heart is that you will not perish, but you must accept His Son’s full payment for your sin,” Stephanie said. “You are bearing the load of your sin and guilt, and no matter what you do it will never be enough.”
As Anna began to cry, Stephanie quoted Romans 8:1 to her.
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus ,” Stephanie said. “You can have a life of freedom that is pleasing to God. But you need to lay down your striving and efforts to earn grace, and accept what Jesus freely offers you.”
“That’s what I want!” Anna exclaimed.
Stephanie was able to lead her through a prayer and welcome her into God’s family.
___
In the weeks following, they’ve been able meet and study the Bible together. As Stephanie begins to walk this journey with Anna, please pray that God would continue to give her wisdom and love for this new believer, and that God will surround and support Anna as she takes her first steps of faith.
