I was born and raised in a Christian home, so I've really always known about God and how he died for my sins on the cross. Until I was about 5 years old however, I had not accepted Him as my Savior. So when that special day came, I was in my bed, ready for my mom to put my sister and I to sleep. The holy spirit prompted me to ask my mom if I could be saved, so she she prayed with me that night...and this began my christian journey.
For about eight years after that wonderful day, I really was not living for God the way I should have been. Yes, I was saved...but I didn't seem to take my walk with God seriously. I regret that very much as I could have been a wonderful encouragement to more people and possibly might have lead some of my friends to Christ. I have no excuse for the way I was then.
One night, about eight years after my salvation, my family and I were gathered together in a room. That year we had been facing many trials and enemy attacks because of certain ministries we served in. So we were doing a "popcorn" prayer where each of us prayed to God for guidance and help. I remember feeling the Lord moving in that room. I could just feel my whole self saying..."Stop now! It's enough! Stop living the way you are! Get right with God tonight!". After the prayer we all went to bed. As I lay there under the covers, I didn't wait one more minute. With tears streaming down my face I asked for God's forgiveness, and devoted my life to the Lord. I will never forget that night, I felt so relieved when I was finished. I knew I was finally right with God. What an amazing feeling it was!
And upon my word, the VERY next day my sister and I were asked to accompany a christian friend of ours to help lead a children's program in a different city that would be held in 2-3 months! God was already at work! He knew I would be asked to do this, and thank the Lord for his grace...I got things settled with Him just barely in time! And it wasn't just this great opportunity...MANY others came up as well, not too long after my heart got right with my Father. One was that I became a small group leader in a bible study I serve, which was so honoring and I took this opportunity God gave me under my wings immediately!
But the most outstanding opportunity my GREAT Lord gave me...was leading my younger cousin to Christ. Yes, the Lord allowed me to lead my seven year old cousin to God!! I still find it hard to believe. But here's the story how it happened...
It was close to Thanksgiving, a time when my family and I all head to another city for a big family reunion. Before the trip I had felt that the Lord was possibly leading me to witness to one of my cousins who happened to be a year older. So I brought an extra bible with me that I had had for a few years as a gift from a my teacher. I thought it would be a nice thing to give to her if the Lord allowed the opportunity.
When we got to the city, the next day me and a whole lot of family members gathered together in a little building we had rented out for our reunion. It was a very nice time, but I never got the opportunity to talk to this one particular cousin I "thought" the Lord wanted me to witness to. Instead, God had other plans. That night while many of us were all still there one of my younger cousins whom I had never met before in my life until that Thanksgiving came up to me and started asking questions about Satan and things that had to do with that spirit world. The Lord was about to do something amazing not only in hers, but in my own. Once I had answered her questions as best as I could she ran off with her other cousins into "the corner" as we always refer to it as. It's a place where all the cousins love to eat, talk, and play together. A couple minutes later I felt the holy spirit moving me to go back there in the corner and talk with them or just to see what they were doing. So I did.
For some odd reason I can't remember how the conversation really started about salvation, but through exchange of words I began witnessing to her. It seemed like a dream I was living in, I had only imagined myself leading someone to Christ! I told her the gospel, of which she seemed to embrace very quickly and was practically ready to ask Jesus in her heart before I was even finished! I was amazed at how recessive she was. I made sure she understood salvation and why she needed it, and also what she needed to do after she accepted Christ (read bible, pray, be baptized, live for God). And in a few short minutes we bowed our heads while she prayed to ask Jesus Christ to be her Savior! I was so emotional afterwards, it is such a hard feeling to explain because I have never felt that happy before in my life! I hugged her with tear filled eyes as she was smiling. I had just lead my seven year old cousin to the Lord...ME! I remember going into the room where all the adults were and quietly telling my mom and sister the wonderful news. They were so surprised and I couldn't keep my tears back any longer...I had to let them all out! And of course I ran to the bathroom to take care of the rest of my emotions. But I know that angels were singing heavenly praises to God the moment my cousin finished her salvation prayer. I will never EVER forget that day. And I solidly encourage you to take every opportunity you have to witness to someone...you will not regret it. I do remember asking her if she had a bible...and what do you know! She didn't. So the next day I brought her that bible, of which she took with great care and joy! I could see the happiness she had in her eyes...it still makes me feel so honored that the Lord would allow me of all sinners to lead this little girl to Christ. I am so humbled and full of joy and thankfulness!
Since that day my confidence grew in what I believed and in WHO I believed. Christ has been so good to me! Yes, I am not perfect. I am just a sinner saved by grace through Jesus. But I do know where my home is...it's in heaven. I hope your's is there too.
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