On November 21st I made the decision to get baptized again and re-dedicate my life to Christ! I thought I’d write about how I got to that point, and what led me to that decision.
I was first baptized when I was about 11 years old. I made that decision because I had been following Jesus my whole life and wanted to publicly declare Him as my Savior. At that time I hadn’t yet dealt with any struggles or doubts when it came to my faith and so getting baptized just seemed like the next step to take in my childlike faith. Getting baptized again does in no way diminish or write off my decision to the first time, however this time was a whole lot more meaningful.
A little more about my walk in faith… I’ve known Jesus my whole life and have been following in the footsteps of my parent’s beliefs for as long as I can remember (shoutout mom and dad you guys are the best). However, as I got into high school, I started to question what I believed and knew to be true. Not that I didn’t believe in God, but I needed to experience and discover who He is for myself. I went through a few years of serious questioning and doubt when it came to God and what I believed. I truly desired for Him to be real and for me to be secure in my faith, but I had so many questions. All throughout that time of uncertainty, I still pressed into The Lord and tried to learn more about who He is. At times, I grew very discouraged and disappointed in myself. However, through it all I did believe that God would show His face. And one night, He revealed Himself to me in a very real and personal way.
That period in my life obviously came with many challenges, but it also helped me grow in my own faith and gave me such a confidence in The Lord. Since then I have been following Jesus, not because my parents do, but because I was encountered by Him and know the love He has for me.
Since being in the World Race I have been challenged in many ways in my walk with God. But through that I have grown and learned so much about His faithfulness. I have learned what faith means and what having faith looks like. At the beginning of my time in Colombia, I was struggling with feeling distant and almost abandoned by God. I just wanted to feel His presence. One of my leaders, Carley asked me this question “If you never felt the presence of God again, or if He never did another thing for you, would the Gospel be enough for you to believe and follow Him?” Honestly this question wrecked me a bit, and made me think and search myself a little deeper. And the Gospel should be enough for us! It’s more than we deserve! Faith isn’t dependent on what God can do for you, or how He can encounter you today. He’s already done the most for us!
Getting baptized again has been something that has been on my heart since around March of this year. It’s something I’ve wanted to do and have prayed about for some time. I used to think in order to get baptized I should have experienced a radical change or have an unmovable faith. And the truth is, I don’t have it all figured out, not even close. But I will chose to believe in God and chose to dedicate my life to The Lord everyday. It’s a daily surrender, through all seasons. I don’t have to know or understand everything. I don’t have to feel anything. I just have to believe and trust that I am His daughter. I want a steadfast faith not based off of circumstances, feelings, or understanding. I wanted to get baptized as a way to publicly declare that I am following Jesus and giving Him my all!
I had my leader and friend Emma baptize me. This was so special to have someone who knows my story and knows my heart baptize me. She prayed such life and blessings over me and I’m just so grateful for her! And I got baptized in a lake in Guatape, Colombia (I mean cmon that’s insane!) It was so beautiful and so special. All of my leaders, mentors, and coaches were down by the lake alongside my team of 6 other girls who I love so dearly. Most of the squad watched from up top and cheered me on as well. I felt so much joy, peace, and love from everyone around me. Then we had friendsgiving afterwards and got to spend the night filled with joyful hearts and laughter! Thank you Jesus for this opportunity and thank you everyone at home for supporting me.
Love you all, Maleah
Great testimony!! We don’t need radical change in our lives to know Christ is working in us, just faith to believe. So important in life to follow His leading and to be rebaptised is so awesome… shows Gods doing a life changing work. Best decision ever! May the Lord continue to lead and bless you Maleah!💕 Debbie