Our Faithful God!
Testimony from Mrs. Zoe Reed
I was born in 1926 - during the depression. I
was named after two of my aunts, Aunt Zoe and Aunt Nell. My mom and dad
were divorced when I was a baby, so I lived with my Aunt Nell and grandmother,
along with my brother. I attended a neighborhood Baptist Church. When I
was a young teenager, I went to live with my Aunt Zoe and Uncle Todd. I
continued attending this Baptist Church, where, after a sermon on where
we would go if we didn’t believe in Jesus, I answered the “altar call”
and joined the church and was soon baptized.
As I reflect over this time of my life, I realize
God always took care of me. I was never without a home, as many young people
are today. I was HIS child before the foundation of the world. What an
awesome truth - I learned many years later. While living with my Aunt Zoe
and Uncle Todd, I did a good bit of baby-sitting to earn money and I cleaned
house and cooked for them as they both worked.
In High School, I dated a godly young man, who
was also a member of the Baptist Church and was a member of my uncle’s
boy scout troop. We fell in love and planned on marrying, but World War
ll began and he joined the navy and became a part of the submarine division.
I soon went to the University of Texas and on
his last “leave” home, we were really tempted to be married. Our folks
were not opposed, but we all realized what a danger that would be, considering
where he was. I would’ve been a widow at 18. God’s “hand” was surely in
our decision. He had other plans for a young man who was in the Marines
during the war. He was to be my husband. What a faithful God.
Several years later and married with two children,
my son, 17 or 18, stated one day, “Mom, it seems to me you are trying to
work your way to heaven.” Well! After many discussions (ahem!) I started
questioning my salvation; I had been "sure" I was a Christian.
I also questioned the statements, “God spoke to me,” or, “God told me this.”
I wondered why He didn’t speak to me.
Several people recommended a seminar, then called
“Basic Youth Conflicts” by Bill Gothard. My son and I attended the one
here in 1973. By Wednesday evening, God opened His Word to me and spoke
to me! I was born again in June 1973, when I realized what a sinner I was,
in need of a Savior. I repented of my sins and asked the Lord to forgive
me, and I believed the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a joy! I was so “hungry”
I went to many Bible studies and seminars and started attending a “Bible
Church.”
What a God we have! I am so thankful He loves
me and says He will never leave me!
- Zoe Reed- Texas