‘Church life is full of change’

Teenager Rebekah Lennon explains why she made a profession of faith on a milestone birthday.

I’VE had some lovely birthdays over the years: pony trekking, trampolining, Builda-Bear, even a magician. But nothing’s been more magical than making a public Profession of Faith on my actual 16th birthday, with family and friends there to see me commit myself to serve God – best birthday ever!

Growing up, I went to church, Sunday School, Girls’ Brigade, and in my early teens a great ecumenical Youth Fellowship group. I knew who God was, I knew all about Jesus, His life, His miracles, and that He was the Son of God, but I hadn’t met Him yet. I knew ABOUT Him, but I didn’t know Him.

It wasn’t until my grandpa died when I was 12 that I first encountered God for myself. That day, and that moment, I began developing a relationship with God, learning more about Him, and myself every day. My relationship with God is a journey, a never ending one at that. Sometimes I have doubts in life (as we all do, and should), but then I remember everything that God has done for me and the places He has taken me, and I get excited about what He’ll do, and where He’ll take me next.

Like many young people, I found the Covid lockdown restrictions, especially school and church closures, difficult. I thought I knew the plans He had for me. I thought I was going to stay on at school until S6; perhaps be a prefect, maybe even school captain, get some Highers, etc. Had anyone suggested back in 2020 that I would have left school at the end of S4 to go to music college, I simply wouldn’t have believed it.

‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you’. Little did I know God has so much more in store for me. During lockdown 2020 I started writing more of my own songs and believing in myself, and my singing and music abilities, and trusting that God knows best. I shared some of my music on YouTube and SoundCloud and fast forward to 2022 and an opportunity in a recording studio, I recorded my original songs and released them on streaming platforms. With prayerful reflection, and God’s guidance, I am now happier than I could’ve imagined, at UHI Perth where I am currently an NC Music Student.

God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends and family, and opportunities to grow my faith within my church life, and Scripture Union. I started attending SU later than most other young people, so was a little nervous for my first day camp. However, I learnt so much, made friends and couldn’t wait to go to another one. I now go to regular camps and events and learn so much alongside amazing friends, sharing our faith and our love of God. And most exciting, Basecamp on Arran this June, and the first steps in training to be a young leader at SU and an opportunity to inspire other young people and share the gospel message with others the way it’s been shared with me – what a privilege! “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I entrust my life.” – Psalm 143:8

Church life is full of change, something that a lot of people don’t like. What we often don’t think of is that change equals growth and transformation, something we should be excited about! We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and remember the trust we have in Him. Although life can be a bit all over the place (as I have experienced), God is about 100 steps ahead of it all. He sees the still waters and the calm of the storm. He sees us, He knows us, but most importantly, He LOVES us.

Peace of Christ be with you all. ¤

Rebekah Lennon is a member at Cupar: St John’s and Dairsie United Parish Church in Fife.