Thursday, January 10, 2008

Happy Birthday, Sam

Tonight was one of those moments in life that you know you will never forget.

Sam is going to turn 10 in a few months. He's a sweet boy and really has been sooo easy to raise thus far. I've made alot of mistakes as a mother...eh, wrong wording, I've sinned ALOT as a mommy and wife but we have really tried to teach Sam and Jo God's way and His truth.

I guess I just thought if we did that it would be much like a "formula". So many of us fall into that trap. This, plus this..equals= what we want, right?

Wrong.

Up until tonight, despite the love of God that Sam has seen through us and scripture, he has had no desire to become a believer. He was very clear that he knew what would happen to him if he chose to live for himself and he didn't care. Some parents have to worry about "talking" their child into faith but this was not a problem for us-Sam would not have it! The older he got the more I began to panic. What if he doesn't? What if I have the next rebellious child? What if he sadly decides to make alot of ugly choices before he sees his own sin?

I have begged God to open Sam's eyes. I've offered up my own life if it would draw Sam to the Lord. I prayed for God's grace not to bring the result of my own sin on Sam's generation but to bless my repentance...my turning and my steps of obedience.

So, tonight my sweet baby boy (not so much baby anymore but you know..) came to me after school and said that God spoke to him through a conversation with Matt and the story of Nicodemus and he was ready to "put his pride aside" and become a believer.

I questioned him and offered to have him wait but he would not have it! NO WAY...I need to do this right now!

I have never heard a more precious prayer in my life. Sam began to pray and shake all over and tears were in his eyes as he called out to God to forgive his sins and save him. He thanked God for speaking to him and told him he wanted to live God's way. It was beautiful. We were all surrounding him as he knelt to pray and I felt extremely blessed to be apart of the moments when Sam was reborn into a new life.

As much as I longed for him to do this years ago, I will say there is nothing like the prayers of an older child that you know has some maturity. I have no doubt that what happened tonight was real. I have even seen him respond like a new boy since it happened.

He called everyone he knew, basically. I think he would have told the story all night if I would have let him stay up. He is very anxious to get baptized next and will after a few meetings with our children's pastor. Our church lets you decided who will baptize you so Sam has picked Matt to do it.

So cool...

Josiah began the conversation tonight with a desire to become a Christian also. There's more for him to learn but he's very close and very tender to the topic.

If you are a believer-Praise the Lord with me tonight! He has drawn my son into the light!

10 comments:

Sandy said...

ok..Aunt Sandy has goose bumps..and a few tears in her eyes! Oh Charity, I have listened to your concern over Sam's very informed decision to refuse salvation, so how thrilled you must be to know that him coming to this, and it being just between him and God, is definitely the real deal! I will tell Peyton and Paige in the morning..they will also be excited for Sam!

Alicia said...

That is so sweet...praise Jesus.

Heather said...

Charity,
I have never commented on your blog before, but want to this time.
I AM rejoicing with you over Sam's salvation! Praise the Lord! I too long for the day when my children accept Jesus as their Savior. Mine are younger than yours, but I have experienced some of the same fears as you. One of mine seems to understand everything but has not made that decision yet. Please pray for my kids as I will yours that they will see their need for His Saving grace. I am SO excited for Sam!

Stephanie said...

The angels are dancing in heaven! What a party! Happy birthday Sam!
(Ironically enough - it was on the 10th! Just like your real bday.)

Anonymous said...

What an incredible bless God gave you and Sam. I'm praising God and so thankful that Sam is in the family of God!!! :-) Julie

Devin said...

Charity,

I am rejoicing with you. What a wonderful thing to read before I head off to bed.

I experienced something with Colin (my oldest, though he is only 4) tonight along these same lines-- yet different--but it was very special to me too....he seems to be headed in the same direction as Sam, so I am thankful for that. Now, I am praising the Lord for 2 great milestones in one evening. It's great!

I will be praying that little brother follows in big brother's footsteps!

Unknown said...

I thank my Lord that He has answered!
Sam from the first day I laid eyes on you...I asked God to please saved you..I was soooo excited when you called me...Your news makes a Mema's heart happy...I Love you
I also pray soon Jo will be calling me....We want our whole family circle in heaven complete...RIGHT!

Jeff said...

Matt and Charity,

What a blessing. Thanks for sharing it with us. This is on our hearts with our boys too. The way it played out with Sam gives me patience. I was "saved" around 4yo and Satan has used that against me. Give Sam a hug and a praise God for me.

Nicole Hume said...

Wow! Isn't God good!? Thanks for sharing that! Give him a big hug from all of us!

sara said...

That was an amazing post! Praise God! That is all I want in life...for my kids to KNOW God.

Anyway, where you talking to me back there, on Steph's blog? I have another blog and I would love to invite you to see it, can you email me your address so I can email you an invite? There are 5 different hairstyles on there, very cute! I am into the short hair thing now- it is so much easier.

My email- saramincy@gmail.com