Shannon’s Story

“A Journey of Faith: Finding True Happiness and Contentment in Submission to God”

Have you ever found yourself searching for something deeper—something that brings real joy and contentment?

From a young age, I began a journey many of us share—a search for true happiness and contentment. One of my earliest memories is of my mother singing songs about God to me. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so” …. or “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” Another I remember well is “Oh be careful little hands what you do, for the Father up above is looking down in love”, and many, many more. Through my parent’s influence and going to Sunday School, by the time I was 5 or 6, I felt a deep need for Jesus. I prayed and decided to trust and follow Him.

During my teenage and early adult years, I faced doubts and challenges that tested my faith. Doing the right thing was sometimes difficult and often felt impossible. As someone with a very strong will and wanting to do things my way, I was having trouble fully submitting my life’s path to God. It was as if I was holding a part of myself back. However, the more I prayed and read the Bible, the closer I felt to Him and the easier it became to stay on the right path. I learned that submission to God isn’t about losing yourself. It’s about trusting that the One who created us knows what’s best for us—like a loving parent guiding a child. I learned that true happiness is following Jesus‘s example and sharing Him with others.

Looking back at my early faith, I can see how He has guided and prepared me for the circumstances in my life. I am amazed at how God can transform the foolish things we do into blessings for us or others. Equally astounding is how He can use tragedies and turn them into blessings or into a way for us to be closer to Him. I am in awe of God’s incredible work. I’ve lost a couple of very dear people in my life recently, one being my precious grandson. Justin was just 23 years old when he was diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive form of kidney cancer. Sadly, it wasn’t long before he went to be with the Lord. It was a very difficult time for my family and I, but my grandson knew Jesus personally. Knowing what God’s word tells me about those that love the Lord and pass away, gives me complete peace that I will see him again in heaven. I hold onto the truths in the Bible and those truths are what keeps me smiling, happy and close to God. So, my life hasn’t been without its struggles—like everyone, I’ve faced times of doubt, loss, and heartbreak. But even in the hardest moments, like losing my grandson, I found peace and hope that only God can give.

As I reflect on my journey, I often think of life as a puzzle—piece by piece, it takes shape. While I only see one piece at a time, God already sees the completed masterpiece. Trusting Him helps me find purpose in each piece, no matter how confusing it seems. As time passes and another piece is revealed, the more I see the “picture” of growth in my life and I’m so thankful how God has worked in me!

I continue my walk with God and strive to serve Him. I fall short of God’s standard of righteousness and each day; I thank Jesus for what He has done for me on the cross. Because of His grace—an undeserved favor—I will one day see Him face to face. There’s nothing we can do to earn our way to heaven; it is a free gift to accept. (Ephesians 2:8-9) I know that He is not finished with me yet, I have a long way to go. He is the potter and we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8) He continues to mold us and continues this good work in us until the day of His return. (Philippians 1:6)

If you’ve felt that same longing for peace and joy, I encourage you to take that first step. You can begin by simply believing, repenting (turning away from anything that separates us from God) and trusting Him with your life. This gift of grace is waiting for you—it’s yours to accept. My prayer is that you will accept this wonderful gift. (Romans 10:9-10)