"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8
We sat facing each other, cross legged on my bedroom floor. My cousin had come to visit for a week that summer and it just so happened to be our church's Vacation Bible School week. (I'm sure Mama had planned it that way.)
He lived with my Grandma Sadie and as far as I know he had not been saved so I made it my mission to tell him all about Jesus while he was with me.
We were probably about eight years old (there were eight months between us; me being the older) and we had played together since we were very little, I guess sharing a small bond because of our closeness in age. He was a stocky boy with red hair almost the color of my daddies; freckles covering his nose and a mean streak that caused you to stay on your toes when he was around; (but I wasn't scared) for I carried many scrapes and scratches over the years from our duels we found ourselves in.
But on this one afternoon we were calmly talking about God. I was explaining the reason we must be saved and how one might go about it. I had my Bible opened and was reading in Romans and giving him a picture of why Jesus came and died for us. I spelled it out for him as best I knew how and was hoping and praying he would see and understand. In the middle of my sermon he stops me and tells me he wants to be saved. He wanted what I had, so...we prayed.
I led him in the sinner's prayer and he followed along being ever so reverent. When we opened our eyes and I looked at him I knew in my heart something had changed. There was something there that wasn't before. I immediately began showing him the Bible and how to navigate it. My first course of action for him was to memorize John 3:16 so that he could always remember the choice he made that day and why.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
God saved my cousin that day and He also showed me how He can work through me when I am listening and willing. He taught me the importance of sharing my faith in a Savior who came to save us all.
Mama and Daddy joined us there in my bedroom floor and we hugged and rejoiced with God for this amazing gift my cousin received. (I really thought that would take care of his mean streak, and it did for a while; but not for good.)
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Thank You for Your amazing grace. Thank You for leading us and instilling in us when to speak up for You. May I be obedient in Your calling on my life. Help me to live out loud for You. In Jesus' name. Amen.