Marked as His - Part II

Good news, everyone - last Sunday I was baptized.
All glory to God, because I’ve been hoping and praying to do this for a while now.

I had so much support. My family came, my best friend and his wife were there, and even a coworker I once worked closely with showed up. It meant more to me than I can fully explain.

As we listened to the sermon, I was especially pleased to see my mom enjoying it. When I looked over at her, I saw her nodding, laughing, and even taking pictures of the verses that were displayed overhead. My heart felt at ease. I was a bit anxious at first because I had reserved seats so my coworker could sit close with us, but by the time they arrived, I was already at the altar - fully in surrender.

And let me tell you… what an amazing experience it was to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I was in tears - not from sadness, but from pure overwhelm. How miraculous is that? As the reverend prayed over me, I could feel my mom gently touching my back in full support. My hands were lifted, I was in repentance, and people were surrounding me in prayer. It was true surrender.

Catching the Holy Spirit is indescribable. But I will say this: God is so faithful, and He truly loves us dearly. He patiently waits for us to call on Him and come to Him. He will absolutely meet you where you are - but just like a phone call goes both ways, He’s waiting for us to lay down our sins and come to Him in surrender.

Don’t worry about the rest. Just do your part, and He will begin to work within you.

I came to Him in full faith. So often, we wait for the “perfect time.” I know I was. But when I finally showed up… it wasthe perfect time.

Going forward, my prayer is for continued surrender, humility, patience, conviction, discernment, and wisdom in this new walk since my baptism. And my prayer for you all is that one day you, too, may find yourself in a place of surrender - allowing the Lord to work on your heart and mind, so that you may come to Him in love and repentance, renewed and transformed.

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, amen.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.”  Isaiah 43:1

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:17