My Other Birthday

We all celebrate the day we came into this world. It was not a day chosen by us, in fact, we had no say in being born but every year we celebrate this gift of life given to us. Although my Birthday is coming up soon, this weekend I am reminded of another day that had everything to do with a choice. It was August 7, the summer I turned eleven, when I attended a Summer Vacation Bible Club.

I don’t remember what the exact theme of the week was, but it had something to do with preparing for a trip. On one of these evenings, our teacher told us how we all start off in life on a wide road, the end of which leads to physical death. Somewhere along this road, when we hear of God’s love and desire to have a relationship with us, we are confronted with a choice to accept or reject. To invite Him into our life will lead us to a narrow road, because not everyone will choose that road.

That evening, I felt my heart pound, as it had done for some time whenever I felt this evasive spiritual truth spoken into my life. The truth was that I needed God to forgive my sins and receive assurance of life in heaven. We were asked to bow our heads, close our eyes and raise our hand if we wanted to admit this spiritual need. I don’t know how something so simple could have been so difficult. Pride was holding me back, but God knew my desire. My raised hand was noted by the teacher, who later prayed with me as I asked Jesus to forgive me and to come into my heart and life.

I was only a child. I could have been deceived. However, as I’ve walked the narrow road, I’ve only become more aware of how true and life changing this decision was. The peace of knowing that He who gave me the breath of life is also able to give me spiritual life and purpose is beyond what I can describe. For every stage of life, the good and the bad, He has been there, just a prayer away. He has shown Himself to me through answered prayer, his leading and words of affirmation in my heart. I now know that He is real. Just like the wind comes along and, although I can't see it, I can see its evidence, so I’ve found it is with God.

My faith in Jesus is a relationship in which He has done the part that provides salvation. I desire to do the part of living a life of gratitude to Him, for seeking me and finding me. Amazing Grace!