Each week in the Watermark News, you can read about a member of our body who has been transformed by Christ to love like Christ. This week, you can meet Joshua Hernandez! With a foundation in Christ encouraged by his parents, Joshua has walked with the Lord for the majority of his life. The truth of the gospel and Christ’s sacrifice has propelled him to get involved in a local church and faithfully serve the Lord and others.
How did you come to know Christ?
“When I was in seventh grade, I realized the seriousness of salvation and that Jesus died on the cross for me (Romans 5:8). I realized there was nothing I could do to earn my salvation; it is a free gift from God that I get to accept. I chose to follow the Lord because He willingly sacrificed His life for our salvation and eternal life – that is real love!
“By accepting Christ into my heart at a young age and with the guidance and help from my parents, I had a foundation of faith that would carry me throughout school, college, and now into adulthood. I’m really grateful for how my parents raised me and my siblings. They taught us consistency, faithfulness, and steadfastness. No matter what, I knew that God was on the throne of my life.”
How did you end up at Watermark?
“I grew up in Southern California and played college football in Mississippi, so I never really thought Dallas was where I would find myself. But when football and college ended, I moved here for a job. Finding a church wherever I landed was very important, so as soon as I arrived in Dallas, that’s what I did. Through mutual friends and connections, I visited Watermark and shortly after became a member and joined a community group with other men my age.
“The community I’ve found through this local church over the last two years has been a big blessing. I have met many great people through The Porch, serving, my community group, and even at the gym I attend! The owners are members at Watermark, and many members are there often. God’s people made me feel super loved and welcomed when Dallas felt so new to me.”
What have you learned through your time serving?
“I have had the opportunity to serve in different places throughout the church body, and I am always encouraged to see how people of this church give their time and energy to serve Christ and others.
“Through families at my gym, I was encouraged to serve at Wake, Watermark’s student ministry for kids in 6-8 grade, and I jumped at the chance. I have learned to be more patient and hopeful as I watch the Lord work in these students’ lives. We have the opportunity to serve and grow with the boys and watch their passion for following Jesus. I am excited about what the future holds for them. I pray they continue to lean into the Lord and that even in troubled times, they will not be shaken but continue to trust that the Lord is good.
“As a 23-year-old, I definitely have the capacity and free time to serve in that way. I also serve at Watermark en Español twice a month. I am by no means fluent in Spanish, but I can get by! I love greeting and welcoming people who share my background to come and worship the same God.
“Through these opportunities, I’ve learned that serving brings joy, and the Lord can use it no matter how big or small. I have learned more about God’s love for us. This church is full of faithful leaders and people serving. I am thankful to be a part of it!
“To encourage any young adult, I would say, go deeper wherever God has you! The Lord will teach you so much and draw you closer to Him through His people.”
How would you describe the Lord’s faithfulness throughout your life?
“I’ve been able to look back at my life, and I wouldn’t change a thing that the Lord did. It is so hard to see at the moment, but when I look back, I can see all the good God has done. Trusting that the Lord knows what is best for us is important. He has our best interests in mind.
“Many things have happened in my life that have confused me about what God is doing, but I see there is purpose in it all. God has used those things in my life to shape me and bring me closer to Him. Regardless of circumstance, we can trust that God is with us and will never leave our side. His plan is perfect, and He constantly meets us where we are.
“I often think of Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.’”