I remember in full detail the day I gave my heart Him...
I was in second grade. This was the year I struggled in math and continued to struggle with it every year after. I hated math tests, questions, games, etc. because I always failed no matter how hard I tried. Math was just not my strong subject.
Our class had just finished a game of math relay and I was down in the dumps, to say the least, of not winning. In fact, I hadn't even scored a point. Bible class always followed Math {and boy did I ever need it!} and this day in particular became far more important than I ever dreamed or imagined.
She then explained to us, in only the way a second grade teacher can, what being "born-again" means and why it is so important to ask Jesus to live in our hearts. I remember being a little confused on the fact that Jesus would "live in my heart", but I also felt this desire to want to do it. To have Jesus come and live in me!
She then asked those of us who wanted to ask Jesus into our hearts to simply raise our hands. Surprisingly, not every hand shot up. I can't remember how many did, exactly, but I do remember there being a few who didn't.
She then procceded to have us recite the sinners prayer after her.
"Dear Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I am in need of You and Your forgiveness. I want to turn from my sins and follow You completely. I believe that You are the Son of God who died on the cross for me and all my sins; You were buried, rose to life again and You are coming back. I accept the Father's gift of eternal life through faith and belief in You alone. I receive You as Lord and Savior of every part and area of my life forever and ever. Now Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen "
I can honestly say I prayed that prayer that day and meant every word! I was saved and Jesus Christ had already begun to "do a good work in me"! {Philippians 1:6}I love and appreciate my teacher for taking the time to explain the gift of salvation to us and praying for/with us. She truly helped to change my life at an early age.
As I got older and entered into my teenage years, I unfortunately slipped away from God's path. But, He loves me so much that He was never too far away!!
I later, in 2007, re-dedicated my life to Jesus Christ when my husband and I were water baptized. I have been trying earnestly each and every day since then to live my life for Him, the "One who came so that I may have life and life more abundantly"! {John 10:10}
I hope you enjoy coming here and reading about my youth! Come back next week when I share more about my friendship with Susie and our adventures in the third grade!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16
What a great childhood memory! Thanks for stopping by my blog...I'm really excited about the task before me, to finish the New Testament by the end of the year....I'm learning a lot! Feel free to follow so you can keep up on my posts! Am now following you. :) have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI was the math geek (I'll share next week) that always won the lolly pop at the end Around the World with flash cards.
ReplyDeleteWish I had known Jesus better as a young kid.
What a great teacher to share truth with you! That encourages me greatly as I am one of the Children's Program directors at our church! Thanks for such a sincere post,
ReplyDeleteEmily (group3)
Even tho you hated Math, I love the story part about the Math relay. I never did that, but it sounds like splendid fun to me!
ReplyDeleteBeth from Group 3
Math was hard for me too! (I'm actually enjoying re-learning it doing Math-U-See with my littles now! I have "Eureka" moments all the time.) Thanks for sharing how you came to Christ...it does change everything.
ReplyDelete