On 16 July 2023 at Parkes Baptist Church, Sophie was baptised by Stan Field.
Here is Sophie’s story.
God has always been a huge part of who I am. I have grown up surrounded by likeminded Christians and have a family who walk closely with Him and have shown me what it looks like and means to live a life for our Heavenly Father.
Although God has always been active in my life, I haven’t always been close to Him. In my high school years I struggled to see that I was created for a purpose and I couldn’t understand what God’s plan was for some lonely girl from a small country town.
I went to New Zealand after graduating, on a journey of self-discovery. I faced many challenges and trials. I like to call them character building moments from God. I felt alone. I didn’t realise this until I was back home, but as well as learning more about who I was, I was rediscovering God and understanding who He had designed me to be.
It reminds me of the Book of Esther and how the name of God is not mentioned in it at all. Although we may feel forgotten by God, He is at work in every aspect of our lives behind the scenes – we just need to have faith in Him and He will give us the strength we need. This is also an example of God’s plan for us and how He can work through the actions of other individuals.
As it says in Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
He really did mean it literally when he promised to be with us in the waters and the rivers will not sweep over us when my home was flooded last year. Amidst the water rising I kept repeating over and over again, “Why would God do this to us?”
When I’d finally gotten over it through the help of my dark sense of humour (the floating floorboards really did live up to their name) during the clean-up I found a torn piece of paper. It was covered in mud but there were three words that were clear as day – “count your blessings”. I didn’t think much of it at the time but realised later that a few days before the flood hit I’d been told I was blessed in life and I’d denied it. I didn’t see the many blessings God had given me.
All it took was some muddy piece of paper for me to realise I am blessed. I have so many blessings. I’m blessed to be here. Blessed to have opportunities such as travelling overseas. Blessed to be in a job that I enjoy (most of the time). Blessed to have friends – I’m obviously referring to my cats. Blessed that God offers us a way to be with Him.
I went back to work two days after the flood. I’d missed the first two days of my new position as an Executive Assistant for a government director, so was glad to finally get settled in. I had colleague’s ask how I was coping so well when my home had been destroyed – my belongings and sentimental items were gone. I’m a big believer that things happen for a reason. I knew that God had a plan. Even if that plan was to send a flood, I had to roll with it and trust Him.
My experience with the flood opened doors for me to share my faith with my colleagues. A faith that our government is losing. Every day I pray before I start work and I ask Him for more opportunities to share His word.
Earlier this year I attended “The Download” – a Christian conference where young adults from around Australia come together seeking the truth, equipping us to take our faith back into the real world.
During one of our small group sessions I was asked “What makes you get up in the morning?” I replied, “Well it’s knowing that God has created me for a purpose.”
So today I stand before you all responding to Christ’s command of baptism and publicly declaring my life to Him. He created us for a purpose.
People responding to the game changing news of Jesus is at the heart of the Gen1K vision and our ‘why’ as Baptists, which is to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, sign and deed, together. As we head towards National Baptism Week on the 15-22nd October, there are a few things we want to share with you! Visit https://nswactbaptists.org.au/national-baptism-week-2023/ to find out more.
