In this interview, Isela, an 11th grader, opens up about her personal journey of faith and how her relationship with Jesus has transformed her life. From dealing with depression and anxiety to discovering the peace and strength that come through surrendering to Christ, Isela shares her story of struggle, redemption, and growth. As a young person navigating the challenges of high school and life, Isela’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact faith can have at any age. Her reflections highlight the importance of worship, prayer, and trusting God through both the highs and lows of life.
What was life like before your journey with Jesus?
Honestly, life was chaotic in every way. Battling depression and anxiety attacks, every day felt like a burden. I couldn't find the motivation to get ready for school, connect with others, or even take care of myself. I had been struggling with depressive episodes and anxiety attacks since quarantine, and I turned to substance abuse instead of the Lord. Self-esteem issues also resurfaced. Despite all the makeup and provocative clothing I used to cover it up, I always felt unwanted and disgusted with myself. I found temporary comfort in the fact that boys started to like me when I acted out of lust, and people seemed to talk to me more when I was at my worst, hiding behind those things.
What was the moment that made you fully surrender to God, and how did it change your perspective?
I’d say it was around April of my sophomore year in high school. I started attending Pluggedin Youth again in March of 2024, and it really snapped me back to reality. I began seeing myself the way God saw me, rather than how the world saw me. That’s when I finally gave my life to Christ, asking Him to take away my depression and anxiety. Since that day, I’ve felt a huge shift within me, and I’ve never felt better. My best friend, Crystal, actually invited me to do a church reading for her parish, and that’s when I knew that Jesus truly called me, not just for something small. From that point, I felt the Holy Spirit constantly convicting me about my actions, words, the way I dress, the media I consumed, the habits I had, and the people I surrounded myself with. God called me to move away from all of that. I went about it quite harshly, and looking back, I realize I could have handled things differently with a few people. However, everything happens for a reason. If it weren’t for my suffering, Christ may not have been able to work in me the way He did. Through the pain, I’m where I am now with the Lord, and I feel like I could sit down with those same people and share the love Jesus has for them.
How do you stay spiritually strong during both the highs and lows of life?
This ties into the question above, but worship and prayer are essential for me. I stopped being so prideful and started asking for prayer from my youth pastors, Jeff and Keyla, or from the ministry as a whole. This has helped me tremendously, and I encourage every follower of Christ to do the same! When I started truly worshiping Jesus, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I couldn’t help but fall to the ground in worship and tears. From those heavy nights and altar calls at my youth group, I learned that the only way to get through both the good and bad times is with God. By surrendering fully to Him in my despair and worshiping the Almighty, I accepted that God is my only strength, and I can do nothing without Him.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” - Psalms 28:7 NIV
What role does faith play in your daily decisions and the way you interact with others?
Jesus is the center of everything for me now. I turn to Him for everything, from making plans, responding to others, to even preparing food. I always want to make sure He is in full control. When I’m stressed, I turn my focus away from everything else and focus solely on His Word because I am who He says I am, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. However, I still struggle with being led by the Spirit in certain areas, especially in loving people I don’t really want to love. It’s been hard for me to act on this, but Jesus gave me the strength to do so. In John 15, Jesus calls us His friends, but He also commands us to love others as He has loved us. Nowadays, with the “get your get back” mindset and the romanticization of being petty, it’s easy to match people’s energy. But God calls us to be apart from that. We are to “bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us.” With verses like Philippians 4:13 and Luke 6:28 constantly running through my mind, I find myself taking a breath, being still, and talking to God, understanding that He is God, and He’ll get me through this.
If you could share one message about Jesus with this generation, what would it be?
Jesus loves you so much; He just wants to talk to you. He’s not asking you to give up everything and then come to Him. Jesus knew exactly what He was getting into when He chose to die for you. He knew how many times you’d reject or deny Him, yet He still chose you. Jesus has been trying to speak to you for so long, whether you see it or not. In Jesus alone is where you’ll find the love you’ve been searching for. All the drugs, alcohol, girls or boys, whatever you’re using to fill the emptiness inside, Jesus is the only one who can fulfill that need. God is just trying to get you to open your heart to Him. He’s not condemning you; He wants to set you free, and only the truth can do that. The truth, the way, and the life are found in Jesus Christ. So, if you’re looking for healing or rest, He is the only one who can give it to you. Don’t worry about overcoming your addiction, don’t stress about reading your Bible every day, and stop thinking you need to do all these things to come to God. All you have to do is believe and surrender to Him.
It’s not some extraordinary thing to surrender to God. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple conversation or even tears. Acknowledging His might is one thing, but accepting that His power is the source for everything in your life, that’s what it means to surrender to God.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 NIV
Isela’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, showing that no matter how challenging life may seem, God’s love and strength are always available. Through her journey of overcoming struggles with mental health, finding strength in worship and prayer, and learning to trust God, Isela is an inspiring example for her generation. Her words remind us that we don’t have to have everything figured out to come to Jesus, He meets us where we are and offers us the love and peace we long for. As Isela continues her walk with Christ, her story encourages others to open their hearts to God and experience the life-changing impact of His grace.
If you're looking for somewhere to hear more about who Jesus is, get in that word. But if you have no clue where to start, feel free to be another brother or sister at Pluggedin Youth. You're more than just another person in a room, you're our family in Christ. We want you to be connected with people who just want to love you like Jesus wants you to be loved and help you through your lows.
Every Thursday at 7:30
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If you want prayer or have any questions, anyone is more than welcome to reach out to me as well :)
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