Faith Statement
Crista Smidt
Ephesians 1:11--12 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
My faith journey started as a very young child. I can recall the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart and shaping it in several occasions through my family upbringing, Christian education, church and even through Christian media. My earliest recollection of the Holy Spirit working would probably have to include a night when I was watching a Billy Graham Crusade program on the TV and during the invitation time I sincerely asked Christ to be in my life. Thankfully, He has been there ever since.
My faith journey has led me to believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and is absolute truth. The foundation of my belief system is thus based on the words of Scripture. Therefore, I believe in the Triune God which includes: God the Father and creator of all, His one and only son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Even though being separate entities, together they make up one God who deserves all my worship, praise and life.
In regard to God the father, I believe he is all-knowing, omnipresent, omnipotent, everlasting, just, gracious, and love.
Concerning Jesus, God’s only son, He is both fully God and was fully human. His earthly life consisting of a virgin birth, sinless living, crucifixion, death and resurrection from the dead was that I could be reconciled before God for my sinful human nature. He is my Savior. Jesus is now with God my father preparing my eternal home.
I believe that the Holy Spirit is the expression of love that overflows between the Father and the Son and is a gift to me. He is my counselor, whom the Father sent in Jesus’s name, to teach me and remind me of everything Jesus has said. John 14:26
Living with a disability since birth, the above verses from Ephesians have really been the cornerstone for my outlook on life. When the feelings of frustration, self-pity and/or self-doubt arise, my mind is pulled back to the idea that this earthly experience that I have been called to live is totally for His glory. My life is not a mistake, but has been predestined and He will work out everything for His purpose. I believe part of that purpose is to demonstrate His power, love, and grace through weakness. Despair quickly changes into humble humility and joy knowing and believing that the God of all creation is using this life to further His kingdom.
I pray that daily as I work with children who are going through life’s struggles that I can share with them the comfort that comes from a relationship with Christ. That they will feel his love, forgiveness, and purpose for their life. I pray that my life models to do things for Christ, with Christ, and reflects Christ, so that others will want to be obedient to God in their work and play.
Crista Smidt
Ephesians 1:11--12 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
My faith journey started as a very young child. I can recall the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart and shaping it in several occasions through my family upbringing, Christian education, church and even through Christian media. My earliest recollection of the Holy Spirit working would probably have to include a night when I was watching a Billy Graham Crusade program on the TV and during the invitation time I sincerely asked Christ to be in my life. Thankfully, He has been there ever since.
My faith journey has led me to believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and is absolute truth. The foundation of my belief system is thus based on the words of Scripture. Therefore, I believe in the Triune God which includes: God the Father and creator of all, His one and only son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Even though being separate entities, together they make up one God who deserves all my worship, praise and life.
In regard to God the father, I believe he is all-knowing, omnipresent, omnipotent, everlasting, just, gracious, and love.
Concerning Jesus, God’s only son, He is both fully God and was fully human. His earthly life consisting of a virgin birth, sinless living, crucifixion, death and resurrection from the dead was that I could be reconciled before God for my sinful human nature. He is my Savior. Jesus is now with God my father preparing my eternal home.
I believe that the Holy Spirit is the expression of love that overflows between the Father and the Son and is a gift to me. He is my counselor, whom the Father sent in Jesus’s name, to teach me and remind me of everything Jesus has said. John 14:26
Living with a disability since birth, the above verses from Ephesians have really been the cornerstone for my outlook on life. When the feelings of frustration, self-pity and/or self-doubt arise, my mind is pulled back to the idea that this earthly experience that I have been called to live is totally for His glory. My life is not a mistake, but has been predestined and He will work out everything for His purpose. I believe part of that purpose is to demonstrate His power, love, and grace through weakness. Despair quickly changes into humble humility and joy knowing and believing that the God of all creation is using this life to further His kingdom.
I pray that daily as I work with children who are going through life’s struggles that I can share with them the comfort that comes from a relationship with Christ. That they will feel his love, forgiveness, and purpose for their life. I pray that my life models to do things for Christ, with Christ, and reflects Christ, so that others will want to be obedient to God in their work and play.