So this happened yesterday…
Romans 6:10-11 “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
I was baptized in the Presbyterian Church when I was a baby back in 1972. I obviously don’t remember it but I still have the little white dress I wore that day. I have been praying about it for a long time and decided at the beginning of this year that I NEEDED to give my life over to Christ again publicly as soon as possible. This time is so much more special because it is my CHOICE. I have been ready for a long time to be honest but my fear of stepping out of my comfort zone and into a tank filled with water before a rather large crowd terrified me. I have never been one to like the spotlight on me. But the more I thought about it the more selfish I realized I was for being afraid of what other people might think. This is not about me. As a believer, it is my responsibility to do what God asked me to do.
I usually cry on baptism Sunday’s as the testimonies of the participants are being read to the congregation. Yesterday, as I was sitting in the front row waiting for my turn I felt extreme joy for the seven people who went before me. Instead of crying I was smiling and applauding as I listened to their stories. I thought to myself, “I can do this!” I thought I could get up there with a smile on my face and not cry and just soak in the moment. But when it was my turn and the reader began reading the words I had written a couple of weeks ago in preparation, I lost it. The tears began flowing and I couldn’t stop. And you know what? It was AMAZING! The old me went into the water and new me came out smiling. And I have been smiling since.
We are each on our own personal journey. Nobody can tell you what is right for you or when. But I believe God’s plan is so much greater than our own. Many of us become lost or side tracked along the way but at some point we reach a dead end and must make a choice. My choice is to follow Jesus. The old me is gone and the new me is ALIVE because of Him. I don’t have to worry about my future…I am in good hands!
God speaks to me in many ways, especially through music. When I was at my lowest point in 2013 the song The Hurt and the Healer by Mercyme got me through. I actually named my website after the lyrics in that song because it has so much meaning for me. And every time I hear it on the radio to this day I smile, cry, and rejoice. I have come a long way since then. I am saved by His amazing grace and I am extremely blessed to be given a new life. Thank you Jesus!
Please click the link www.iamalive41.com to redirect you to my website if you are viewing this message via my newsletter and have a listen to this song. 🙂
Blessings,
Stacey ~ iamalive
