Matthew Crespo-Paradis

Before I put my trust in Christ, I was at a bad point of my life, filled with doubt, believing the false things of this world, and struggling with loneliness. I felt like I was alone with no one who could help, understand, or fill the hole. It was the darkest time of my life. But then, about one year ago before Easter, I was in bed questioning if God was real. And then my mom came into the room and we started talking. At first about school, then I started talking about my doubts, and my mom shared that when I was a baby, God spoke to her and said one of her kids would stray from God. And God told her that it was me. She was surprised but trusted God. She talked to me about it and right then and there, I put my trust in Christ and my doubt vanished. I knew God was real. God has used my mom to remind me to stay with God when times are tough and not to stray from Him. I am reminded and encouraged by the thief on the cross in Luke 23:32-43. One shouted saying “Save us if you are God” while the other believed in God, so truly that day he was with Jesus in paradise. Like him, I know I am secure in Christ. From that moment on, I could never remember even one doubt I had. I know I will never feel lonely knowing God's love is with me, and it gives me the bravery to tell people about God, and to spread the gospel.