I wrote last year about O's first experience with VBS at our church. It was challenging, tear-filled and took all of my energy to get through the week.
Yet, sitting with O last year, at the end of the week, as he sang about God's love and Jesus' power, it felt like all the struggles had been for a purpose. As I think about this year, I wonder if I will feel the same.
As a result, I have been reflecting about my own VBS experiences. I remember one year in particular. The one when I first felt the overwhelming desire for God's love and asked Jesus to reside inside of me.
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| ME - AGE 7 |
I was seven. I can still see myself, sitting in a large group, yet alone. In a park. Throughout that week, I had sung about various animals, like penguins and Galapagos turtles, having no idea how God would speak to me on that final day.
I can't remember the exact words the speaker used, but the invitation was presented. If you want to have the Holy Spirit dwell within you, pray this simple prayer. I didn't have to say it aloud, just to myself and God. So, I did it. That day, I became a Christian.
While I am continuing to be refined, the gift that I accepted that summer, saved me. In that instant, my sin - past, present and future - was forgotten.
Over the years I have re-committed myself as a follower of Jesus. Redemption, salvation, rescue, restoration...it's all a process. The summer between my freshman and sophomore years of high school, I made the decision to be baptized, to make a public statement about my faith.
I am grateful to have been raised in a family that valued a relationship with God, that made attending church and praying at bedtime and mealtimes a priority. But, ultimately the decision to become a Christian and to continue along that path was mine. Not my family's.
In the same way, I can't control that decision in anyone...not my relatives, not my children, and not you. It's a personal decision that each individual must choose on their own.
I can only share. I can share my story. The story of following a God that is all-knowing and all-powerful, yet loves me more than I can even imagine. The story of a God who is awe inspiring, yet deeply personal.
It is that God gave His son as a sacrifice for me, and for you.
Incredible.
God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
5 comments:
I really love this. As a "new" Christian I struggle everyday with my wn faith as well as how to teach my children. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing such a special moment with us.
I totally agree with you that redemption is a process. I pray for restoration every day!
I saw a quote on facebook the other day that it's not my job as a parent to raise Godly children but to make sure my children have Godly parents. All I can do is be an example to my son, my co-workers, my family... the rest is up to God.
Thanks for being such an encouraging example for your readers!
Her Heart Proclaims ♥ eMinistry
amen!! thank you for sharing your story!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! God is so good!
Ohh, this is a beautiful post. It's so cool to hear your thought process as a child about choosing Jesus..and then re-committing yourself as a young adult. very cool, and the photo of you as a child, TOO CUTE!
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