“I gave it all and god answered” (joy’s testimony)

Joy during his summer mission trip to Merida, Mexico (2025).

// Below is the transcript of Joy’s testimony shared on August 18th, 2025 //

In many of my own testimonies, I’ve shared my entire journey, from the start to end. But today, I want to keep it short and tell you guys about the most important moment, where I realized who I really was.

It happened during my sophomore year of high school. I had gone to my friend’s house to study for a math test, and the conversation quickly sidetracked and we started talking about religion. Foolishly, I wanted to try to prove that what he believed in was incorrect, and that what I believed in was in fact the truth. He explained something called moksha, which is basically the escape of the reincarnation cycle and achieving union with the divine being Brahman, which is the ultimate goal of hindus. What I couldn’t understand about what my friend was saying was that if there was something so amazing that he could achieve through his efforts, why would he focus on something as short and meaningless as the things of this world? Why would he try to go to college, try to make money, try to become successful, if all that mattered was focusing on achieving moksha.

But as those words came out of my mouth, a thought suddenly popped up in my head. Isnt that really similar to my own goal? I wanted to get to heaven, to have eternal life, and really, the things of this world were insignificant. And in that moment, even though these questions were directed at my friend, it was like I was talking to myself. It felt as if God was trying to show me my own flaws, my own heart. “What right did I have to judge my friend, when I myself was full of sin? Why should I be able to question his actions, if mine were the exact same?” “I was gifted this opportunity to go to heaven, through following Jesus, why then did I focus on things like school, my future career, when I could and should be devoting my life to him?” 

To a lot of us, our life on earth may seem like an eternity, especially for all the younger people here. It feels like we’ve been alive for so long even though we probably have many years left. But at that point i realized, that this “eternity” could not compare to the true eternity I will spend after my time on earth.

I want to ask everyone the question I asked myself on that day. “If you were to die right now, at this exact moment, would your past actions and thoughts, your heart, and your soul lead you to heaven or condemn you to hell?” 

What I want everyone to take from this testimony, is a sense of urgency and fear. In my past 16 years of life, I can now say without doubt that if Jesus were to judge me at any point during those years, I would have gone to hell. And for many of us, with the path we are going down now, we may not end up spending eternity with God. A lot of us have grown complacent with our faith. I used to refer myself as a “lukewarm christians” and not feel offended or ashamed by that.

Even though I was shocked by my revelation, that I would not have been saved, I felt more at peace than ever. Because it was at that moment of shame and guilt where I completely surrendered my life to God. All the answers I seeked, all the uncertainty, I gave it all to God, and he answered. 

There is always this joy and comfort in my life, even when situations are not pleasant, knowing that my sins are forgiven and that my eternal future is secure in heaven. I know that I am a part of the family of Jesus, and that he guides me each and every day. Even though I falter in my journey, I always have this desire to put my focus back on God. Even recently, I hesitated to share this testimony, as it seemed like it wasn’t good enough compared to others. But after praying, I felt reassured that if my testimony could impact even one person, it would be worth it.

For 16 years, I was lost, lost to the world, to my desires, but God never stopped searching until I was found. I won’t lie and say my life has been completely perfect, but I no longer feel worried or anxious about whats to come and what I should do because I know God is with me.