In my last post, I shared about my first night of youth group in an evangelical setting. Prior to that time, I tried to read the Bible given to me at the start of my Confirmation class in the Catholic Church. I really tried. I’d heard people mention how the Bible can be hard to understand, but I took pride in my advanced reading ability. Although I’d never cracked open the Bible in my life, I felt certain it would come easily to me like anything else. But I was wrong. No matter what page I turned to, it seemed like foreign, ancient history and I was totally confused. It wasn’t long before that Bible gathered dust on my nightstand.
But I wasn’t ready for what happened next.
The Scriptures Illuminated
As I continued to visit my friend’s youth group, hearing the Gospel, and feeling welcomed by that community, the Holy Spirit began to illuminate the Scriptures for me. When I went home to open my Bible, it wasn’t dry history anymore. It made sense, and it began to transform how I viewed myself and the world around me.
Suddenly, the Bible began to speak directly to my heart, bringing conviction and encouragement. For the first time, I experienced first-hand that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, ESV).
And this is a big deal: God also changed my heart so that instead of being so inward-focused—constantly worrying about what others thought of me—I began to see and care about the needs of others. Although still shy at times, God led me to step out of my comfort zone to encourage my peers or speak up when others didn’t. I no longer cared whether I was labeled a nerd or what. I just wanted to show God’s love.
I continued attending youth group with my friend Kay. I was so eager for more that I also received my parents’ permission to attend Wednesday evening Bible studies.
Serving in Church
Soon, my youth leaders discovered that I enjoyed singing, and they roped me into joining the youth worship team. Through serving on that team, I got to know Christopher, who is now my husband. At the time, he was a multi-talented teen who sang, played keyboard, guitar, and drums, and also kept the technical equipment in order. We became friends and started dating at 18.
Throughout my college and young adult years, I remained committed to Christ, volunteering in worship, youth ministry, outreach, and starting an art ministry for teens.
God’s Faithfulness in My Adult Years
In 2008, I graduated college, married Chris, and began working as a graphic designer at a very large church in Red Lion, Pennsylvania.
There, I began to feel that I had found my spiritual home. This non-denominational church helped me develop a Biblically-sound theology. They also embraced the importance of church history and spiritual formation—a layer of depth that I truly appreciated.
In 2013, my husband and I welcomed our daughter into the world, and our son in 2015.
Bible Teaching
In 2014, our church invited me to be part of their Bible teaching team. I was humbled and grateful that the church’s leaders recognized my love for God’s Word, along with my communication abilities, and took a chance by allowing the graphic designer to get behind a mic. I am so grateful for the patience and mentoring I received from our church’s spiritually mature teachers as they provided feedback and encouragement, helping me to hone my gift.
From staff Bible lessons, to Bible study classes, to large women’s retreat gatherings, it was such a joy to be used by God to teach from His Word. I also loved serving in the church’s prayer ministry and having the opportunity to pray with individuals who came to the prayer room during and between Sunday services.
What about you?
Have you ever experienced the Bible coming alive? How has God used His Word to shape your faith journey and lead you to serve others?
Michelle Perez 