In this powerful episode of Testimony Transformations, Amanda sits down with her friend Jennifer to share a story of faith, surrender, loss, and God’s unwavering presence. Jennifer grew up in church and believed in God, but her faith was more routine than relationship. She knew about Him — but didn’t yet know Him personally.
That changed in college when she met someone whose life reflected a peace, joy, and steadiness she couldn’t explain. In a simple, genuine conversation, he asked her, “Have you ever given your life to Jesus?” That question opened her heart, and right there, she surrendered her life to Christ. Her faith came alive. She bought her first Bible, began seeking God, and chose to live for Him fully.
Later, she and Sam — now her husband — built a marriage rooted in their shared faith. But their relationship would face a test they never expected. Sam was diagnosed with a brain tumor in a delicate and dangerous location. After seeing multiple surgeons, God led them to the right one — a surgeon whose confidence and compassion gave them peace. Their church community surrounded them in prayer, and God carried them through the surgery and long recovery. Sam survived. Their family was held by grace.
Soon after, Jennifer’s father needed heart surgery and moved closer to be near family. What followed was one of the sweetest seasons of Jennifer’s life: weekly dinners, laughter, and meaningful time together — a year she now sees as a gift handcrafted by God.
Then, unexpectedly, her father passed away in a car accident.
The grief was deep — yet God met her there. In a moment she can only describe as divine, her husband (a firefighter) sensed that someone had gone to Heaven before he knew it was her father. That knowing brought Jennifer a supernatural peace: her father was safely home with Jesus.
Looking back, Jennifer can now see how God had prepared her heart:
The year of Sunday dinners was a gift of memory.
Reading the Bible with her mother drew them closer.
Her faith foundation was strengthened before the loss.
Community held her.
God never left her side.
This episode is for anyone who:
Knows about God, but hasn’t yet met Him personally.
Has tried to carry life in their own strength.
Is grieving something they don’t know how to make sense of.
Wonders where God is in the pain.
Friend — He has been with you the whole time.
Closer than your own breath.
Pursuing your heart long before you realized it.
And through it all, Jennifer clung to Romans 8:28 — “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Even in pain, God was working good that she could not yet see.
At the end of this episode, Jennifer and Amanda lead a simple prayer to invite Jesus into your life. If you prayed that prayer — hear this:
Heaven is celebrating you.
“There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” — Luke 15:10
Welcome Home. 🤍
If you just gave your life to Jesus — welcome to the family! Heaven is celebrating you.
Here are a few resources to help you start growing in your walk with God:
The Bible Recap (Tara-Leigh Cobble) — Read & understand Scripture daily: https://www.thebiblerecap.com
JoySoul Connection 90-Day Devotional & Planner — Build daily habits of time with God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWCPFQ3D
Gospel of John — Start here to get to know Jesus (free on YouVersion Bible App)
The Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren) — Discover your God-given purpose: https://www.purposedriven.com/start
Find a Local Church — You were made to walk in community. Ask God to lead you — He will. 🤍
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