My Journey of Growing in Faith

Hello everyone! My name is Sandra Noel, and I would like to share my story with you.

My childhood home in Harbour Grace was filled with love, peace, and kindness. I thought every home was like mine, but I've learned over the years that not everyone is so fortunate. My mother was the heart of our home. A woman filled with faith, love and kindness. My father was a great man. Very tender and loving to his children, but especially to our mom. My mother was the spiritual leader, and my dad was more so the disciplinarian; they balanced each other very well. Our home was filled with prayer, bible stories, hymns, and mini sermons about the importance of being "saved".

When I was 12 years of age, I secretly prayed my first real prayer. I asked God to come into my heart and lead my life. I didn't tell anyone about that prayer; I was too shy to tell, but I never forgot it. Then, leading into my teen years, I was like most of my friends in those days. The usual activities, nothing too bad, but not really following God. I then attended a mainline church with my family. I tried to be good, taught Sunday school, joined the choir, and life moved on. Then, at the age of 17, I left home to attend Nursing School in St. John's.

Over the years, I've learned that growing in faith takes time!! Just like seasons are required for nature to change and grow, so are seasons of life required for our faith to grow. I didn't grow spiritually for several years. It was a process for me. It took time and patience, but I grew and learned so much! Just like all of us in our faith journey.

At 18, I attended a Pentecostal church in St. John's for the first time. I initially went looking for a boyfriend... I didn't find one that night... But I fell in love with a man from Galilee, His name was Jesus! And that was the best thing that ever happened to me! I then began to grow in faith, but very slowly. I started reading the Bible and attending church, and learned that God is true to His word. I was determined to marry a good man, so when I read in Mark 26:24, "What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them". I claimed that promise and began to pray daily that I could start dating a certain guy I wanted to marry. That is a story in and of itself, but suffice to say, God answered that prayer. And he is a great faith builder for me!

Life then became fast-paced with nursing school, dating, marriage, work, and babies all in that order. Which also led to responsibilities, problems and worries..

Another big faith builder came just before the birth of our first child. A bad flu epidemic was coming, which was very dangerous for babies and small children. Fear gripped my heart, and I began to pray like never before. I had no other choice but to read my Bible for help. It was then I read in Psalm 91...

"He that dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty... And no plague shall come near your home, and He will give His angels charge over you".

I took those words literally and prayed until I knew I had found that secret place! And the flu never came near our home! That was a great faith builder for me. It was then that I began to grow in my faith. We became regular church attendees, raising our family to know and serve God. I gradually became more hungry for God and began to seek Him more and more. Then at the age of 30, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit - that experience was a life changer for me. My shyness and intimidation began to fade, and I became stronger in my faith journey in my walk with Jesus.

Leading into my next 20 years was a time of physical, emotional and spiritual growth. I became involved in women's ministries, prayer groups, bible studies, etc, which are all faith builders. Life in and of itself was a faith builder. Raising a family and dealing with health challenges. Also, relational and financial issues will cause you to grow in faith if you seek Him! That's what happened for me! Through that time, I learned to pray! I claimed God's promises, I trusted Him to answer my prayer, and He did! I've seen God answer prayer for specific, physical, and financial needs. I've seen Him bring "beauty out of ashes". He has been faithful over and over again.

"I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him". 2 Timothy 1:12

My life has been founded on His word and prayer, and my faith journey has grown continually as I give Jesus all the praise. I thank Him for all that He's done in my life!!

Here is one reminder that I'd like to leave with you:

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" - Romans 10:17.

Many Blessings,

Sandra