"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4
It was a moment that I will never forget. I remember every detail about it.
Some of my memories that are so ingrained in my mind are not pleasant. I wish I could forget them, but not this one. When this memory comes back to me I delight in it and rejoice all over again with even greater emotion than I did the day it happened.
It was such an ordinary day. I was on the run! I was always on the run. I had my four year old son, Caleb with me. We were going to a friends house to pick something up. She lived thirty to forty minutes from our house so it was a bit of a drive. I had my praise music blasting, worshiping as I drove. The song that was playing was a Dennis Jernigan song, Worthy is the Lamb.
My son, Caleb suddenly broke into my praise and asked, "Momma, what does that song mean? What does it mean that the Lamb is worthy?"
I began to explain to him that Jesus is the Lamb. The gospel message unfolded from my heart into my little boy's heart. Then he asked, "Momma, can I pray that prayer? I want Jesus to save me. Can we do that now?"
So I led my son, at the age of four in a prayer of salvation. It was Divine.
Two weeks later, he brought his one-year-old brother, Luke, to me saying, "You have to pray for Luke, Momma. He is not saved. Please pray for him to accept Jesus into his heart, too." So we prayed. I honored Caleb's faith and we believed for Luke's salvation. (Since that time, Luke has asked Jesus into his heart with understanding).
Two years later, Caleb brought his little brother, Josiah, who was one-year-old at the time, to me saying, "Momma, Josiah is not saved. We have to pray that prayer for him to accept Jesus into his heart." So we prayed and believed for Josiah to be saved. ( Josiah has also prayed with understanding since that time to receive Christ).
Caleb is an evangelist and his ministry began at a very young age. I would pray with my children every night before they went to sleep. Often times Caleb would weep over the homeless, the dying, the hurting, the lost. Not just pray, but weep. He has led many to the Lord.
Who would have known that a song and a time of praise could lead to so much? Caleb is twenty-two and his work continues. He has never strayed from the foundations of the gospel. He is not perfect, but he has a testimony of faithfulness and a deep love for the Lord.
I marvel at the work the Lord has done for him and through him. I could not forsee his future when I prayed with him to receive Christ that day. I did not know if he would even remember what I shared with him. He has walked in that truth since the day we prayed it into his heart.
Do you have a child that needs to know the Lord? Be encouraged. The Lord has a plan. I have five children and they all have a testimony. They all have come to know the Lord is various ways. The Lord has been creative in drawing them to Himself. I praise Him for that. Caleb is one that I had the privilege of leading to Christ. That one moment in our history will be carried into our eternity. It is a memory I will always treasure.
I pray that this testimony will encourage you.
Blessings,
Cheri
6 comments:
Cheri you have invited me to remember the day my son invited Jesus into his heart. I will never forget that morning either. I was just opening my eyes to the first glimpse of daylight when my little 3 year old came into my bedroom and crawled up onto the bed with me. His first words to me that morning were, "Mommy, how do I ask Jesus into my heart?"
Stunned for just a moment as to what had prompted this question, I began to explain, as best I could, in a child's vocabulary and understanding, the free gift of salvation. So thankful the Lord makes the way easy enough that even a child can come to Him...actually...it's easier for a child to embrace then it is for many an adult.
With pure childlike faith, we bowed our heads and his decision was made to follow Jesus. The date was September 5th, and each year we celebrate his spiritual birthday with a special dinner, cake and a gift that represents a continued walk with His Lord.
At 16 years of age now his heart is still tuned to his Savior. This past week he has played keyboards for our VBS which saw over 400 in attendance and many precious little ones gave their hearts to the Lord - giving their parents, and us, more unforgettable moments. For the next 3 weeks he will be a Division Leader for the Grade 3 and 4 children, as well as helping with music at our church Day Camp.
There truly is no greater joy than to see our children walking in the truth.
Rejoicing with you,
Sending my love,
Joy
Thank you for sharing this with me. The Lord is so good to us, isn't He? I continue to stand in awe of Him. Beautiful Jesus! How He loves to save us!
Love you, Joy!
Cheri
Cheri,
This story brought tears to my eyes. I too have a young son whose heart has always been tender for the Lord. I learn so much through his eyes!
So good to hear your voice, friend!
We're still praying!
Wow. I was intrigued by your story. My first thought in the title was the old song Unforgettable...I can't remember was that Ray Charles? Or someone famous.
Then you mention Watch the Lamb and that warmed my heart. I love that song. They use to play it at a certain scene at the Easter Pageant. Ray Boltz was my first favorite Christian artist upon becoming a CHristian 13 years ago.
You stored wowed me. Then, you said Caleb is not 22. Wow.
You are truly blessed. I have an unsaved brother who desperately needs Jesus (don't we all) but he has family problems in his house hold, along with some other things I should not mention.
I have no children but I could imagine it would be the scariest and most disheartening feeling to have an unsaved child. Yet, the opposite of having a child come to Christ must be the best gift ever.
That way your son was so adament about doing it "now". If only most adults would realize the urgency especially in this day where we indeed are near the return of Christ and decisions will not longer be made.
Thanks for sharing.
I'm somehow not placed you on my blog list. I'll do that now.
Laura, I continue to feel blessed by all the new friends I gained at She Speaks this year. It is so wonderful to be able to share our testimonys.
I am so awed by the hand of God upon my son Caleb. It was not a work we can boast in. It is such a work of the Spirit!
It is such a joy to know you! I am expecting great things for you!
Blessings, my dear friend!
Love you,
Cheri
Dear Paula,
Caleb has always had that urgency about everyone concerning their salvation! The thing is, he is the most easy going guy you could know. But when it comes to the seriousness of bringing people into the Kingdom, he is bold like a lion. But he is so loving that people that he shares with usually get saved! It is a God-given gift!
I love that song by Ray Boltz, but it is not the one that was on when I shared with Caleb. It was Worthy is the Lamb by Dennis Jernigan. Have you ever listened to his music? It is powerful!
I think we need to seriously pray for our lost loved ones. Pray that the Lord will use us to bring them into the Kingdom. And if not us, ask Him to please send someone with the message of the Gospel to melt their hearts. It is an area to pray, "Make haste, O Lord!" Time is short!
You are a special friend and I thank you for sharing with me.
Blessings,
Cheri
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