Sundays were simple in my growing up years. We lived near my mom’s parents, who until I was a teenager myself still had children living at home. Our family lived in Florida and we hosted church gatherings on Sundays. My grandparents, aunts and uncles, and a handful of others would come and we would worship together. Then we’d enjoy a delicious Sunday dinner around a table set with my mom’s lace tablecloth and china dishes.
Since I was born I’d been hearing stories from the Bible, and I knew my parents loved Jesus, but it wasn’t personal to me yet. Then one Sunday, sitting on the floor in my brother’s room, my aunt told us the story of Jesus dying on the cross in Sunday school. She was barely a teenager herself, but she shared in simple words and Scripture verses how he died for my sins.
Among other verses, she read Romans 10:9 to us: “If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” And in my head it clicked: Jesus died for me. Personally. Being a follower meant saying “Yes” to him and receiving his gift of salvation.
I was 5 years old the first time I said “Yes” to Jesus. His truth took root in my heart that day. I had no idea that there would be many more times I’d have to choose to say “Yes” to Jesus as his follower. But to me that day, it was simple – I understood Jesus died for me and I thanked him for it. I thank God for my aunt’s faithfulness and for the power of God’s Word, revealing the personal nature of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me.
What is your first memory of God’s work in your heart?
I remember watching my dad throw out all his cigarettes and I knew there was more to life than just knowing about God, it had to be something personal. I accepted Christ when I was 11 and got baptized at 12 at a beach in new port richey. I always wore my “smile God loves you” button to school and one day my friend asked me about it and I led her to Christ. The biggest moment was when my husband who was my then boyfriend said he wanted to live a pure life like me and my family and I led him to the Lord. Each day I have hope that my life will end up in heaven and that is a powerful feeling of security.
Thanks for sharing Aunt Susan! Love you!
My first memory of Christ working in my life was at Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp. I was 16 years old and I had to counsel a group of 13 year olds! I remember realizing that week that if anything “good” was going to happen it would not be from me – it would be Christ Jesus working in me. Once I realized that, He started opening doors to explain verses to my campers and share the gospel multiple times. Those open doors reminded me that it is HE that works in me both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
My first time counseling really impacted me as well. Learned so much. Thanks for sharing. Miss serving along side you, friend!