Katy McNicholas

I have believed in God for as long as I can recall. I was raised Catholic and enjoyed learning about God and attending church. However, my faith was weak and fleeting. I would go to church and pray occasionally and then place God on the back burner while I pursued my own passions. I had no understanding of my need for a savior. I had a plan for my life and God was an afterthought. As I prepared for marriage in 2020, I noticed a shift in my faith. The more I learned about God's purpose for marriage, the more I wanted to know Him and be in His Word. With the birth of my first daughter in 2021 came an even greater desire to know God. I began looking up Scriptures for comfort, and found “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ" (Philippians 4:6-7). I joined Bible study and found a community and family at GBC. I started to pray for His will, not my own plan. I became familiar with the question, "What is your testimony?" to which I would reply, "I think I am in it." I felt the Holy Spirit working. On October 31, 2024, I committed my life to Jesus and acknowledged Him as my Lord and Savior. Less than one month later, I faced tragedy. I had been praying for "God to work" and I have been keenly aware throughout this storm that God is working in my life. I thank God for strengthening my faith and preparing my heart for this suffering. I feel joy and peace that "transcends all understanding" because I know His plan is good. There are endless blessings and “coincidences” that led me here, and I am grateful God is merciful and pursuing me. I am eager to share my faith with others so they can invite God to work in their lives too and trust in the Lord with all their hearts.