This blog post is dedicated to my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Danes. On the first day of school, she offered the opportunity for us to become saved, by having eternal life with Jesus Christ.
You can imagine the first day of school -- there is excitement, the buzz of returning back to school from summer. The happiness of seeing your friends and meeting your new teacher; in the midst of her outlining the expectations she would have of her second-grade pupils, she offered up the opportunity for us to have an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In her conversation, she mentioned that when we felt ready to ask Jesus Christ to enter our hearts, to simply let her know and she would then lead us into the salvation prayer. I should note that I attended a Christian school, so it was not uncommon for teachers to talk about Jesus Christ and having a relationship with him, however, this was the only teacher that made the offer to help lead us, students, into having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; by accepting Him into our hearts.
Several months into the school year, a classmate invited me to join her and a few others who were ready to meet with Mrs. Danes and ask Jesus into our hearts. I don't remember much about the prayer. I do remember that it happened during recess and Mrs. Danes led us into our classroom where we sat at our desks and we recited a prayer. Afterward, I didn't feel anything special. I didn't see Jesus descend from a cloud or see a vision of an angel dancing on the clouds. I do know, however, that my decision to accept Jesus into my heart served as the catalyst for God to begin working in my young life. Several months later I became baptized, and since then have become firmly planted in my faith.
I thank God for Mrs. Danes because she provided the opportunity to lead me and my classmates to the Lord. She made herself available and she was willing. If it weren't for Mrs. Danes you probably wouldn't be reading this Christian blog, have listened to the Inspired Overflow radio show or watch Inspired Overflow TV. When we make ourselves available to evangelize and lead others to Christ, new soldiers are added to the army of Christ.
Who has God called you to lead to Christ? Is it a relative, a co-worker, neighbor, niece or nephew? There could be someone chomping at the bit, ready to make a change in their life, yet they just don't know how. Ask God to show and lead you to those who are unsaved. My classmates and I were able to take Mrs. Danes up on her offer because in the midst of her job duties she simply said that 'if you are willing, I can lead you to Christ.' Don't be afraid. It's time to evangelize and share the good news with others.
Perhaps you are reading this and you didn't have a Mrs. Danes in your life to lead you to Jesus Christ. The good news is that it's not too late. Simply say the prayer below and believe it in your heart, and you too can be saved. God loves you and He led you to this blog post for a purpose!
Prayer of Salvation:
Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.
I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.
You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.
Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.
Thank you, Jesus, for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you, Jesus, that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.
Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me and giving me eternal life.
Amen
Kacie Starr Long is an author, talk show host and the proud wife of Alfred T. Long Sr. When not writing, Kacie enjoys sewing. She is the founder of Sew Hope, a sewing school for previously incarcerated men and women. Connect with Kacie at: www.InspiredOverflow.com and via her YouTube page for more inspiration and encouragement.