Today, I was talking with a pastor friend about some ministry things. In the conversation we began to discuss when and how I became born again. When I think back to that day it always makes me smile at the lengths God will go to for those He pursues.
You see, I was an adult. My daughter was young, maybe four or five. I was not born again. My mom had, however, been taking my daughter to church. Mom would say, “Kim, you need to get in church this Sunday and give your heart to God.” I would respond with, “Mom, I see the same people on Saturday night that you see on Sunday morning. If I get born again, you will know it, it will be obvious.” This went on for several months.
Then she began having this couple she knew at church call me and talk to me about God. They were nice but I didn’t want to hear it. However, God was pursuing me, that became obvious. He also knew how to get my attention.
One day, I was driving out of town. My daughter was in the car with me, talking non-stop. Happy and giddy as she could be. All of a sudden, she said something that stopped me in my tracks. “Mommy” she said, “When I die, I want to go to hell.”
Shocked, I said, “Bre, why in the world would you say such a thing?” She replied, “Cause Nana says that is where you are going and I want to go where you go.”
That day, I drove home and called that couple that had been witnessing to me and said, “I am ready to give my heart to God.” That day, I got saved and I have never looked back.
And, it has been just as I told my mom, it was obvious I had gotten saved. Although I certainly have not done everything right, I have never walked away from God in all these years – it has never even been an option for me.
And that couple I spoke of. They mentored me for a season. The woman marked my life more than words can say. One morning I went to her home to pray and study with her. I walked into her house; it was filled with the most peaceful presence I had ever seen. As I walked around the corner, she was in the kitchen, hands raised, worshipping God. That day, worshipping God became a desire of my heart – one I have always had. I long to worship Him.
When I think back to those times, I am so thankful. God did not stop pursuing me. He would not let me go. He knew how to get my attention, and He didn’t stop until I called Him Lord.
Perhaps today, you have a son or daughter, or grandchildren who are not following God. If you are praying for them, do not lose heart. He will not stop until He gets them. You have a covenant with Him and He will pursue them until they call Him Lord. I am living proof of that.
If you are one of those who are witnessing to someone. Even if it seems you are not getting anywhere – don’t stop. Don’t give up on them. I used to get so annoyed with my mom and her friends, but they didn’t give up on me. I am so grateful they didn’t. Not only did it change my life. It changed my daughters life and my grandchildren. I am so very thankful.
I want to leave you with one thing. My daughter, as small and innocent as she was, wanted to go wherever I was going. Heaven or hell. That is a scary thought but that is how a child may think. Never forget, your children are watching you. What you find peace and joy in, they will want in their life as well. Let your peace be found in God. Whatever you do, lead them to God. Lead them to His unfailing word. They will follow – just lead.
