The Way Back: Faith Restored by the Bible

“Through the Bible, God spoke directly to me. I realised He has never abandoned me — I have been the one unwilling to return.”  Peng Jingqin, Shandong, China

SHANDONG, China - For over 30 years, Peng Jingqin carried the name of a believer, but her faith had long faded. Baptised as a young woman in Yishui County, she once attended Mass out of habit, enjoying the community but never truly seeking God. As work and daily life consumed her, church became an afterthought. 

For nearly two decades, Peng neither went to confession nor received the Eucharist. She resented her struggles and often questioned why God felt distant. At times, she even believed He had abandoned her. When she did step into church, she would sit quietly in the back, reciting prayers without understanding their meaning. 

But all along, God had never taken His eyes off her. 

A Night of Tears, A New Beginning

Everything changed on the evening of May 12, 2023 — the night before a pilgrimage. As believers gathered at the church, Peng found herself assisting with preparations for the first time in years. 

That night, she met Sister Fan, who gently encouraged her to go to confession. Hesitant at first, she finally agreed. 

Kneeling before the priest, years of guilt and sorrow overwhelmed her. She wept as she confessed the sins she had carried for so long. At that moment, she felt like a daughter returning home after years of wandering. 

"Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, hereafter RSVCE) 

After confession, she remained in the church, crying and reflecting. A weight lifted from her heart, and for the first time in years, she felt peace. 

That night marked a turning point in her life.

Receiving the Bible, Rediscovering Faith

In the weeks that followed, Peng reconnected with her faith. A fellow believer encouraged her to read the Bible daily. At first, she struggled to understand God’s Word, but over time, the words began to speak to her heart. 

One day, she caught herself feeling proud of her singing in church, looking down on others. That same day, she read: 

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12, RSVCE)

Another time, she questioned why others seemed to prosper while she barely got by. She then came across these words:

"For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" (Mark 8:36, RSVCE)

Through the Bible, God was speaking directly to Peng. She realised He has never abandoned her. She was the one unwilling to return.

A New Perspective, A Renewed Purpose

As she continued reading the Bible, Peng saw God’s blessings in her life. She has a home, good health, and children who love her. For years, she has focused on what she lacked, never thanking God for what she has.

"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, RSVCE)

Now, the Bible has become Peng’s guide, helping her to navigate life’s struggles and bringing her closer to God. She felt like a lost sheep who had finally heard the Shepherd’s voice and returned to Him.

A Prayer for the Future

Each morning, Peng now wakes with a longing to read God’s Word. The more she learns, the more she desires to share it with others. Deep in her heart, she prays:

"Lord, give me the courage and strength to continue. Open my mouth so that I may proclaim Your goodness. Teach me how to lead others to You."

For Jesus says: 

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6, RSVCE)

Through the gift of the Bible, Peng has finally found her way home.