Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Jaclyn's journey
I baptized my friend, Jaclyn Owusu, last weekend. She grew up with my kids. In fact, there were 8 or 9 families that went to church together, did ministry together, and hung out together. It was 20 something years ago and lots has changed. Some of those families have seen the parents divorce, and now even some of the kids. We have faced sin, sickness, and sorrow over the years. Some of our kids are faithful Christians doing amazing things for the kingdom. Some of our kids are in spiritual struggles. Some are even in a "far country" spiritually. But almost every one of them decided as young people to be baptized into Christ.
But not Jaclyn. Her parents were converts themselves. They were faithful. They installed spiritual values. They talked about Jesus. She watched the other kids she grew up with make the decision to become Christians.
But not Jaclyn. She believed in God and Jesus. She just never made the personal commitment. And she too, drifted away from the faith of her family. Life dealt her some hard blows. Some her fault. Others because this is a hard world.
But God was at work in her life. He protected her and provided for her. Lots of us prayed for her. Everyone kept loving her. And slowly she found her way back. She rediscovered her belief in God. She found faith in Jesus.
So she called me a couple of weeks ago and asked if she could back to Abilene so I could baptize her. She said she was ready to die with Jesus and be raised to live a brand new life.
It was a special night. Her family came in to witness it. Several of the parents from our old group were there. And some of the kids. Others sent text messages of support.
So I want to thank Jaclyn for reminding me that God works even when we don't see it. And for reminding me that seeds planted and watered do bring fruit. And that God gives the increase.
So I am more inspired and motivated to plant Jesus seeds this week. And I'll water some that are already planted. And I won't worry about the increase. God will give that in his time. Not mine.
So thanks Jaclyn. And even more, for both of us... thanks God.
But not Jaclyn. Her parents were converts themselves. They were faithful. They installed spiritual values. They talked about Jesus. She watched the other kids she grew up with make the decision to become Christians.
But not Jaclyn. She believed in God and Jesus. She just never made the personal commitment. And she too, drifted away from the faith of her family. Life dealt her some hard blows. Some her fault. Others because this is a hard world.
But God was at work in her life. He protected her and provided for her. Lots of us prayed for her. Everyone kept loving her. And slowly she found her way back. She rediscovered her belief in God. She found faith in Jesus.
So she called me a couple of weeks ago and asked if she could back to Abilene so I could baptize her. She said she was ready to die with Jesus and be raised to live a brand new life.
It was a special night. Her family came in to witness it. Several of the parents from our old group were there. And some of the kids. Others sent text messages of support.
So I want to thank Jaclyn for reminding me that God works even when we don't see it. And for reminding me that seeds planted and watered do bring fruit. And that God gives the increase.
So I am more inspired and motivated to plant Jesus seeds this week. And I'll water some that are already planted. And I won't worry about the increase. God will give that in his time. Not mine.
So thanks Jaclyn. And even more, for both of us... thanks God.
