Last night Chris preached at the church we have been attending. He was asked over a month ago and then, of course, has been preparing for weeks. As the day came closer he became more and more nervous, battling all kinds of lies from Satan on how he would make mistakes, the message wasn’t the right one or the timely one. Chris shared many of those lies with me but I know there were a thousand more going through his head all the way up until the moment he stepped in the pulpit. After all, Satan is the author of doubt and confusion.
Chris had invited a few co-workers and was feeling particularly burdened for one man. We had both prayed for this man, that hopefully he would hear something that would help him come to the decision to follow Christ. I was so glad to see he had decided to attend the service.
Chris delivered the message, the one he felt God had wanted him to deliver. I think he did a wonderful job (but I am a little biased). He didn’t make any major mistakes – like leaving his fly unzipped or falling off the stage. He let the Holy Spirit lead him, I could tell because his nervousness was gone.
The invitation was given. I have never preached or stood in the pulpit to even give a testimony. I can imagine how discouraging it must be to put your heart and soul into a message or lesson and then have it return void. Or what appears to be void.
The music played a verse, we bowed our heads and prayed. The pastor of our church was speaking, I am sure asking for those who were hurting to raise their hands or something like that…to be really honest I was just praying so I wasn’t really listening. I have been having many of my own valleys and struggles lately and I was just crying out to God. When we raised our heads and the pastor was starting to wrap up the invitation I realized what had happened. No one was up front. Some may have come to pray and been gone before I raised my head but for now the altar was empty. No major decisions had been made.
I felt Katie tapping on my arm. Distracted I sat down and asked her what she needed.
“I want to go up there.” Katie whispered.
“Why?” I asked.
“I want you to go with me.” Katie whispered.
“Why do you want to go?” I asked again.
“I want to ask Jesus to live in my heart.” Katie said.
So we went. And her Daddy asked her a couple of questions and led her in a prayer of salvation.
Now I have a new sister in Christ and another child who’s place is secured in heaven!!!!
JOY! JOY! JOY!
Chris and I both looked at each other in the van on the way home with the same thoughts. That we knew she had been asking questions, she seemed to be getting close, but we never even thought, we never even planned that tonight of all nights the Holy Spirit would call her to make that ultimate, life-changing decision. His ways are so wonderful and mysterious.
Our God is an awesome God!
All the Little Grubbs 