On 25 July 2021, I received a ZOOM invite to witness an incredible event. One I had prayed for many years. One that I had hoped would happen. One that I didn't see possible but still believed God for the impossible. A man I have known for 24 years. A man who knew me at my worst season in life. A man who at one time I loved and gave me my first child.
He was lost as I was. Broken. Hurt. In despair. Living a life of sin. Choosing pleasure rather than living God's way. He sought. Fought. Dreamed. Dealt with confusion. Wrestled with doubt. In search of love. Fullness. Peace. Happiness. But in all of his searching, no matter what he did and who he found himself with, he still felt emptiness inside. Until recently. In all his searching... in all his crying out for truth. For God's will to be done. To surrender his life. He finally came to the end of himself. Chose life rather then death. Chose a path of righteousness rather than sin. Chose to sacrifice his flesh in order to obey and not live only for pleasure. How did he finally arrive here? What did it for him? Who did God bring to his path to reveal Himself?
What I do know is on this day, I witnessed a man, confess his faith in God, belief in Christ and accepting of His Holy Spirit. And witnessed him walk towards the steps that led up to the top of the pool. Into the water he stepped. And then... slowly walked towards the man chosen to baptize him. He looked into this man's eyes and in trust allowed him to gently guide him into the water to be washed and risen up to a new life. One full of promise. One full of eternity. One full of God's presence.
Whether you believe or not believe, this man does. And at one time, he wasn't sure. At one time lived a life without security and purpose or vision. Today, he has it all and more than he can imagine. But even when he finds himself without, because of His faith he can now live in trust that no matter what comes his way... God has a greater purpose and in the end, he will see His Savior welcoming him into the promised land.
This man, I prayed for. On this day, I celebrated with him the victory he has gained in his life and the journey that brought him to his meeting with his Savior.
May God be honored by his baptism and choice to follow Him for the rest of his life. Use him to minister to those who were like him; lost and living for sin. May he be used to lead men to the cross, to the truth. And find freedom.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
THE GREAT COMMISION, SOUTH ELGIN IL, 27 JULY 2021
CAMERA: SAMSUNG GALAXY A12
John 3:16 ESV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 ESV)
Mark 16:16 ESV
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10 ESV)
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Author's Note: If you are interested in learning more about salvation and baptism or have any questions related to spirituality I invite you to reach out. I will share with you ONLY what I do know for myself and refer you to the right sources for further information or when I can't give you an answer. For I believe when we sincerely seek for truth...God will reveal it.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)
May my Prayer also becomes yours:
"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name."
(Psalm 86:11 ESV)
"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." (Psalm 25:5 ESV)
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5 ESV)
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