"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
He was dressed and ready, eagerly waiting for the familiar sound of the truck pulling up in the driveway. As soon as he heard the first crunching of gravel under the tires he was out the front door and down the steps like a flash. Two very special people waited for him to climb in beside them as they carried on down the road to the little church.
I want to share with you a story I've heard many times over the years. Dana's testimony always intrigues me and I catch myself imagining this little boy being introduced to the Lord in such a way as this and what transpired afterward to change the direction of his entire family.
His grandparents introduced him to this novelty of going to church every Sunday morning because Dana wasn't raised in a Christian home. He tells me of his very young years as being a rough and tumble kid. He was small for his age (so much like Nate) but he was fierce. (And as rumor has it he had a mouth to match.) But when he was ten years old his grandmother invited him to accompany them. After his first visit he was hooked and he looked forward to getting in that truck every Sunday morning. It didn't take long for him to start feeling the knock of the Lord on his heart and he immediately welcomed him in.
On the day he was to be baptized the church met down by the river. They huddled around with his proud grandparents in attendance and watched as this young boy so obediently made his way down into the cold water, his excitement hard to control. As he scanned the crowd gathered around, knowing that his family wouldn't be there he noticed in the distance his mama standing off by herself watching with tearful eyes, and obviously curious of all that was going on with her son (God already being at work in her heart.)
The change in Dana's life when he gave his heart to Jesus was a resounding gong in a household that didn't know Him. Over the weeks and months to follow one by one his household was saved. His mama, his daddy, his brother and two sisters all came to know and trust the Lord as their Savior.
We are all influencers to those around us in our life. Dana's grandparents influenced him and he influenced his family. Dana's home life was greatly changed once the Holy Spirit lived there. God takes what we think is impossible and makes it possible, even through the life of a child. Amen.
"For with God nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37)
I love you & He loves you more!
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your perfect work. Help me to always know my influence on others around me, may I allow Your light to shine. Thank You for Your saving grace on a little boy so many years ago that You knew would one day become my husband. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.