AT EIGHT, I knew I needed Jesus. The Good News Club lady said I would miss out on heaven if I didn't get saved. I certainly didn't want hell, and Jesus offered an escape plan. That's about all I remember about that day, besides the cookies and punch and the stain on the carpet I peeked at while praying the sinner's prayer. I didn't know much, but I knew I was a sinner. I needed Jesus at eight.
AT FIFTEEN, I knew I needed Jesus. My friend, Melody, and I had signed up for our first missions trip—Vacation Bible School for Native Americans in New Mexico. We were supposed to meet with the church deacons and share why we wanted to go. I had heard of life verses and I figured it might help me to have one in the interview with the deacons. I prayed and opened my Bible, and like a Holy Ghost miracle, there it was:
"And He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" (2 Corinthians 5:15, NASB).
There you have it, Jesus gave all, so I must do the same. That made sense to me. It still does. Shortly afterward, I told my mom, "When I grow up, I don't mind being a missionary. I do mind meeting a snake on the side of the road." Years later, living in Papua New Guinea, I remembered that conversation when I spied a snake outside my hut. (I stayed inside the hut.) At fifteen, I needed Jesus to help me surrender it all, snakes included.
AT TWENTY-FOUR I knew I needed Jesus. Walking around the school track under bright stars in Central America, I had it out with God . . . (continue over at The Joyful Life)
(AT THIRTY-FIVE… AT FORTY-THREE… AT SIXTY-SIX...)
:::::::::::::
Can you recall an age or stage when you trusted God deeper and better?
Me: I need to trust God more with my grown kids than when they were small. I hate to tell young moms that, but ain't it the truth??
Answer in comments and make a new friend.
I made a list at age 70. It's gotten a lot of mileage - passed them out on our small boat cruise in the Galapagos Islands last summer. Made some great friends. Here it is. I'd love to know if you've learned the same things or ARE learning some good things I still need to learn. Check it out HERE
And if already a subscriber, you can download it HERE.
I was tempted to include it in the family Christmas letter but thought it a bit much. Even for me. (:
Today's blog is from this week's podcast: "A Legacy of Needing Jesus at Any Age." Listen, leave a review and share with a friend who may need a little encouragement in her walk of faith.
Original post first written for The Joyful Life Magazine Blog in 2019. I still need Jesus at every age.
_______
Still time to order your copy of the very last print magazine REJOICE. I'm honored to be included once again. What a great ride this has been. Please order through my affiliate link here.
Makes a beautiful gift. My article is entitled: Best Dressed for 2023: Seven Timeless Truths of a Joy-Filled Woman
The Joyful Life Magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment