Victoria’s Testimony
“The light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5 is a powerful Bible verse I repeated to myself numerous times as I was battling spiritual warfare in and out of mental hospitals. During this time, I cried to the Lord, my God, my Savior, and my everlasting hope, and was rescued from my enemies. With every breath that I breathe, I'm reminded of Jesus and his name upon my life, how he brought me back to life because of His name alone.
“The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, I pray, save my life!” Psalms 116:3-4
After I came out of the darkest valleys, I immediately began attending Mission Hills Church, which greatly impacted my life. Holy Spirit, lead me there as I was yearning to worship and be close with the Lord. I was welcomed with open arms and prayer as soon as I entered the doors. Once I returned back to my hometown, Newport Beach, I found Mariners Church, another glorious church I began worshipping and serving at throughout the week.
“Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and flute.” Psalm 150:40
I began dancing and praising the Lord inside the beautiful chapel at Mariners Church endlessly. I found immense peace and joy, so much so that I never wanted to leave. Shortly after, I started learning worship banner and ribbon at Dance 4 Joy Ministries, a Christian dance studio. Here is where I found my confidence in Christ, excelling for the Lord amongst a community of dancers. Once I could boast for the Lord, I joined a tambourine dance group and started liturgical worship at the Greenhouse Prayer Room. This is where my heart will forever rest in honoring my Father, who is in heaven, by glorifying him.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
Finally, my Bible was with me on this journey in the beginning. From hospital beds to bathroom floors, my Bible has gotten me through some of the darkest moments of my life. Holy Spirit was also ministering to me heavily through a resourceful radio station called KWAVE. As Christians, we are called to meditate on the word of God day and night, and after finding this radio station, I felt inspired to share this blessing with others.
“Our God is a God of salvation, and escape from death belongs to the Lord.” Psalm 68:20
As I am writing this I pray it reaches the hearts of others. I praise my God and worship His holy name every day because we are made to glorify Him. During Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday, the Lord revealed the true meaning of my name, Victoria. My name in the Bible means victory. I was named after a King who defeated death, and my name is power.
“For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4
I thank the Lord every day for giving life to my body despite the trials and persecution we face as Christians. Today I lay everything down at the feet of Jesus, fully surrendered to do His perfect will. I pray that the paths He takes us down produce everlasting fruit and lead more people back to the cross. We may fight in the spiritual realm and walk into the unknown, but we always have His faith to sustain us.
