Thursday, March 19, 2009

A Changed Heart

The day began as many others in our busy family. By 8:15, however, it had deteriorated to whining, complaining and attitudes at every corner and in every sentence. I braced myself for the apparent day ahead.

The big kids had their assignments and were now working quietly, with only minimal frustration and stalling my little guy worked on a US puzzle on the floor, and my little one climbed into my lap to read.

We worked on some phonics, and then we pulled out the Awana book to work on some verses that we needed to catch up on. The verses and Bible stories centered on Christ's death, resurrection, and joy that resulted in the disciples' lives. Our conversation proceeded naturally. Why did Christ have to die? Who did he die for? How can one get to heaven? These conversations were nothing unusual. My little one knew all the right answers, yet I knew in my heart that she had never made a personal heart decision.

This morning was different. What if you don't go to heaven – then what? Fear is not a tactic that I use regularly. Heaven is a wonderful place that I cannot even imagine let alone put into words. God is there and it is perfect. However, if you do not accept God's precious gift of salvation He provided through His son's death, there is a dreadful alternative – hell. Maybe it is politically (religiously) incorrect to say that, but it is the truth. My little one was prepared to hear it today. She was not scared, but the realization of being separated from God spurred her thinking.

Sitting on my lap, she snuggled close and asked if she could pray right then. She prayed and asked Jesus to forgive her of her sins and asked Him to be her Savior. It was a child-like faith. Oh to have such simple faith. God didn't make the plan difficult. We don't have to DO anything, but thank Him for doing it ALL.

My little one professed her new found faith on the phone to Daddy, Grandma, and Nana. What a joy to hear her share so simply what God had done for her.

She is God's child that He has chosen to bless me with. I am excited to watch how He will use her. She will fail. She will make mistakes. She will goof up. God, though, will never let go of her.

I am so thankful for God's answer to prayer in my family. I have prayed since my children were very little that He would save them and that I would have the tremendous privilege of leading them to that decision. God has chosen to answer that prayer for each of my children. My role as a Mom is huge in their life. I consider it a challenge, responsibility and privilege to disciple these four precious people that God has put into my home. I am awed and humbled. God help me!

Welcome to God's family, precious little one.




4 comments:

Mrs. Susan Bowman said...

So cool! God is doing great things in YOUR family as well!

Sarah - Roots and Wings said...

That is awesome! I pray that I can have the same privilege with my kid(s)!! (She looks so much like your mom!)

Brooke said...

Oh Sandy! How very sweet to trust in Jesus! Ryan is so close I can feel it. What a joy to be a parent!

Jodi said...

PTL! That is so sweet! I am so happy for her and for you!