The cemetary went on and on. I couldn’t take my eyes off it as my sister and I drove by all those tombstones on our way to Grandpa and Grandma’s house. All those people died. A few minutes earlier I had waved a tearful good-bye to my parents at the airport. Alarmed to see them leave for vacation, the grip of fear ruled my heart. Old stones with words on them made things scarier. Susan, seeing my despair, tried to comfort me. “Sara, the worst thing that could happen is that they would die. But, then they would go to be with God.” Well, that didn’t sound too bad. Of course I would miss them terribly, but I knew they would be safe and happy.
My mind was busy. I could die . . . like those people died. Will I go to heaven to be with God, like Mom and Dad?
As the evening wore on, I felt worse and worse as God’s Holy Spirit graciously convicted me of sin. I thought about verses my sister had shared with me:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” I John 5:12-13
Even though I was very young child, I knew this was a very important decision. I could no longer resist His offer of grace and forgiveness. It were as though Jesus stood before me with arms open wide, waiting to give me a BIG hug (and hold on tight forever).
In Grandma’s bedroom, I tearfully admitted my sin and need for Him. I told Him I believed Jesus is God and that He gave His life for me, paying for my sin. I believed in Him and wanted to follow Him the rest of my life. Suddenly, like rain in the desert, a refreshing peace washed over me. I was no longer a slave of Satan, sin and myself. God had brought me from death to life: I had become His child! A new creation.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Clear as a cloudless blue sky I remember that day so many years ago. Less than two months before my fourth birthday, the seeds of truth faithfully planted at home and church were taking root. Being born into a Christian family didn’t make me a Christian. God gave me the opportunity to hear and choose. God gave me the gift of life, and He wants to give you the same gift! Are you going to let the seeds God is planting bloom in your life?
Are you are a believer, but lately you have been taking God for granted? It’s an easy thing to do! Let’s stop for a moment right now and remember all God has done for us. If you have any questions about what God has done for you and how you can know Him better, I’d love to talk with you! saraleighanne@juno.com
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