Sunday, March 30, 2008

Saved by Grace

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
With a grateful and joyful heart, Brad and I now are able to call Isabella Grace not only our precious daughter, but a sister in Christ!! She is 3 months shy of her 6th birthday and is very young but is truly able to beautifully articulate a solid understanding of the saving grace of Jesus! From a very early age, she has always been extremely sensitive to the things of the Lord as well as asking very probing questions. She began sitting with us in church when she was four years old and became very intrigued when the Lord's Supper was passed. She asked many questions and continued to tell us she wanted to "become a Christian too" but we wanted to continue our conversations with her to make sure she truly understood the gospel (as only a child is able) and not just wanting to "eat the cracker and drink the juice" (or as Elijah told us a couple a weeks ago while the Lord's Supper was being passed, "Mommy, I need that because I am so hungry and thirsty!") We continued to talk to her and explain our need for Christ's salvation but she never asked or seemed ready to talk to Jesus about it.

So, tonight she began asking questions about baptism and as we talked about the gift of salvation, she was adamant that she talk to Jesus "right now!" She began to walk out of our bedroom towards her room and when I asked her where she was going, she said, "I am going to my room to ask Jesus into my heart, and tell Him I am sorry for all my sins and that I want to obey Him all the time because I love Him very much!" I was shocked she had such determination but quickly Brad and I asked her if we could come too and she gladly said yes! We knelt at her bedside and listened to the most precious prayer of a child who beautifully demonstrated to us what it means to have a "childlike faith"! Then, with grateful and humble hearts, we prayed over her and cried tears of pure joy that the Lord has chosen her as one of His children!

"But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."
2 Thessalonians 2:13

We pray she will have an obedient heart that loves, desires and follows her Lord and Savior for His glory alone! Soli Deo Gloria!!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." III John 1:4

8 comments:

Jennifer said...

Wow! How beautiful and insightful for such a young girl. Fantastic...

Kristy -Mom To 9 Blessings said...

Oh how wonderful! Congratulations! What a special special day! There is nothing like knowing your children have accepted Christ for themselves and that they really get it! Give your sweet daughter a hug from me and tell her, "Welcome to the family!" :-)
Blessings,
Kristy

Rebecca said...

I know you and Brad are so happy! What a sweet story and a great reminder of God's grace!

Anonymous said...

Praise God!

Shelly Roberts said...

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) ~Shelly

Natalie Fournet said...

Praising God with you!

And waiting with you too....any word?

emily said...

Really a great post!

Anonymous said...

Isabella is so cute, and it is so great that she understands the gospel so well--a testimony to faithful parents. Congrats!!