VINEMONT, Ala. – In this interview, Vinemont senior Ashton Kelley talks about her relationship with God and how she has seen it continue to grow more and more over the years.
“God has meant so much to me. He has gotten me through the hardest times of my life and has given me the opportunity to share my testimony with others. He is always working in our life, and I’m so thankful for that. He has given me so many friendships that have helped me to become closer to Him and so many opportunities to tell others about the wonders that He does. I am so grateful that I have a relationship with Him, because I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without Him.”
Ashton shared some of her favorite Bible verses and talked about how much they mean to her.
“Proverbs 3:5-6 says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not only on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.’ This verse is what made me choose the college and major that I am pursuing. I had to fully submit to Him and trust Him with my entire heart in order to see the amazing things He has planned for me through this path He is taking me. Philippians 4:6-7 says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds about Christ Jesus.’ This verse reminds me to never be anxious about anything, for the Lord will prepare me for the future He has for me. It also reminds me to always pray and go to Him for any problem or any anxiety,” Kelley said. “Psalms 118:5-6 says, ‘When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; He brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” This verse is the one that got me through the hardest time of my life. When I cried out to the Lord in my room at night, He was there for me, waiting for me to surrender, waiting for me to come to Him for help, because He has already won my battles. God has given me the materials of His word to fight any battle or enemy that comes my way, because He has won my battles, so why should I be afraid?”
Ashton is a leader in the student ministry at Daystar Church in Cullman, and she has touched so many lives during her time working in student ministry.
“I am lucky enough to be a leader in the student ministry at Daystar Church in Cullman. I am so grateful to be able to minister both middle and high schoolers and help them through the hard times of school. I am able to talk about my testimony with them, and after hearing the other people’s testimonies, it opens everyone’s eyes to just how amazing our Lord and Savior is. My favorite part of student ministry is being able to come together and watch all the students not only worship the Lord together, but pray together as well,” she said. “It means the world to me. I am able to show the students that no matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone, and more than likely, someone at the church has gone through something similar as well. I’m so grateful that I have the chance to be a role model in their lives, and I pray every day that God uses me to show them that no matter what you go through in life, you will get through it. You just have to lean into God and give Him your all,” she said. “I want to help them out so bad. God has put the gift in me to have such a strong passion for children and younger students. I strive to be a person that will speak to students who are new or even in the church about what God has done in my life throughout the day or week. Talking to someone about God can plant a seed in them, and that will help them get closer to Him.”
She shared some advice for those people that want a relationship with God, and also talked about some Godly role models in her life that she looks up to.
“I would say first of all, start in His word and read your Bible. I would then say to pray about anything and everything. There is no right or wrong to pray. Just talk to God. He is your father, and He loves hearing from His children. I would also say, surround yourself around people who have a relationship with God, as well as people who want a relationship with Him. You need people who can minister and help you through this journey of becoming closer, as well as people walking right by also getting closer to Him. Lastly, I would say, surrender to Him. God is almighty. He is the highest and the most powerful. He can get you through anything in your life. I would say, don’t worry about what you have done in the past. Once you ask for forgiveness, God forgets about it. You are never too far gone or have made too many mistakes to come to God. He will meet you right where you are and love you unconditionally,” Kelley said. “Recently, our student pastor, Braxton Davis, has been an incredible role model. He is so on fire for God and has taught me so much, not only through his sermons, but also, from just having conversations with him. Ashlee House has also had a huge impact on my life. She has always been one to check in on me and has prayed for me. She is also on fire for God and has helped me through some of the toughest times just by watching her worship and by talking to her. Lastly, our pastor, Jerry Lawson, has always been an amazing role model and always gives the best sermons. His sermons have truly helped me become so close to God.”
Ashton added,
“I have learned that no matter what season of life you are in, God is there. He is absolutely incredible and continues to amaze me with all the miracles He has done and will continue to do. I have also learned that His plan is better than mine. He has a plan for me that will pursue His will for me. Lastly, I have learned that I am so much better with God in my life than without.”
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