Jason S.


Jason Sheppard Testimony - LEVEL 2, Spring/Fall 2016

I learned about a repentant heart. It starts with recognizing when I’m wrong or when I’ve done something wrong. To come before God with a broken heart and asking for forgiveness with true sorrow, whole heartedly.

When we withhold forgiveness from others after having received it for ourselves, we show that we don’t understand or appreciate God's mercy towards us. James 2:13 – Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Having learned this through the Walk of Repentance, these are a few things that have changed drastically in my life.

When I used to get bent at something I had a real hard time letting go of it and I would lose my peace way to quick. I found it really hard to apologize and to forgive others and I would let something minor get blown out of proportion. Then came the self-pity combined with pride and I would either shut down or say something hurtful. Now, I am able to quickly pray, repent, and let go of things more easily. I am able to apologize, forgive and find peace in my heart. Luke 6:27-18 – Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Another valuable thing I learned from this study is that no one else is able to take away my peace. Losing my peace is a choice. Letting anger in is a choice, and it is a choice to feel peace and joy. No one can take it from me. Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

These are just a few of the things that I’ve taken away from the Walk of Repentance. As a result, my home life has gotten better, especially with my wife. The nightly routine of doing my homework has allowed me to form a new routine with my stepson. He would come up to say goodnight and we would spend some time in devotions, blessing us both with that special time together. The discipline of the homework commitment couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. Having just gotten married and started a new blended family, I feel like God is showing me how to be the head of my household and building me into the husband, father, and step-father He’s called me to be. The daily discipline of being in God's Word, in prayer, and walking in repentance, will help me grow into the man God has called me to be and walk in the Light.