Learning to Surrender
A few days later, Rachel met members of a Christian student group on campus. “I had a ton of questions. They gave me a Bible, showed me how to pray, and took me to church. The women in that group became some of my closest friends. They helped me fight through the sexual temptation and failure that came.
“It became pretty clear that my attractions to women didn’t just disappear when I became a Christian. Those first few years were full of bad decisions. I was committed to Christ, but I’d fall into sexual sin again and again. My friends loved me enough to call me back every time.”
Choosing Jesus Over Everything
As I sit listening to her story, I finally ask, “How could you give up something that felt so core to who you were?”
Rachel thinks for a moment. “It would be tragic to give up something that valuable for something less valuable. And it would also be tragic to pretend that my sexuality isn’t real. But Jesus is more precious than even that very deep part of me because of His great love. That sounds really weird if you’re not a Christian, right? But the Bible says a Christian’s relationship with Christ should be so precious that it’s worth dying for.”
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23
“Celibacy and singleness aren’t death,” she says. “Not having sex or romance is hard, but I’d be willing to give up even more than that. Giving things up is a normal part of the Christian life. You don’t do it out of obligation—you do it out of love. You’re captured by Christ’s love, and it drives you to do things you never thought possible. He gives you security, purpose, and an ultimate destination.”
Finding Something Better
“The reason most people aren’t Christians,” Rachel concludes, “is either because they think Jesus isn’t really real or that He isn’t really worth it. But Jesus is both—really real and really worth it.
“Yes, I gave up some major things and some significant relationships. But God has heaped beautiful and good things on me in their place. I’ve gained peace, belonging, and a love that doesn’t fade.”
Today, Rachel continues to walk in faith through singleness, serving in her church and mentoring other women who wrestle with questions about faith and identity. Her story is not about perfection—it’s about grace.
Reflect and Respond
Rachel’s story challenges us to consider:
What would we give up for the sake of knowing Christ?
“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” — Philippians 3:8
Following Jesus costs something—but what we gain in Him is worth far more.
Read more of Rachel’s story in Finding More: Real Life Stories Worth Telling.
The book is available to buy here.
This article was adapted and republished with permission from The Good Book Company.
