Prayerful Decision | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Prayerful Decision | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joanney Uthe
10/23/07
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

Jesus, are You trying to tell me something here? It seems like every time I listen to Christian radio the message talks about Baptism. This morning my devotional was the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and now Pastor Marty is announcing a Baptism Service. I’m learning that these types of things are not coincidences. Many of my new church friends say that coincidences don’t exist. It is all just Your timing. So why do I keep hearing things on Baptism?

My parents baptized me when I was a baby. Doesn’t that count? I mean, I know it wasn’t my choice or anything, but I was still baptized. Isn’t that what Confirmation was? A chance to publicly state that I had made a decision to follow You? But I hadn’t made that choice yet, had I? Guess that is why You keep bringing this up to me. Since I hadn’t actually made the choice for myself, it was just a ceremony. It didn’t mean anything at all. That’s why Heidi waited until she was in her twenties to be confirmed. It meant something to her then that it didn’t when we were younger. My infant baptism at least meant that my parents would raise me to believe in You. But they couldn’t give me that belief. They could only guide me to You. Now that I have accepted You for myself, You want me to be baptized again?

I never really considered being baptized again until just now. I remember thinking it strange when Terry said he was being baptized as an adult, even though he had been baptized as an infant. Guess I just didn’t understand ‘cuz I didn’t know You yet. I think I’m starting to understand.

But what about Sheila, Lord? She was baptized three times. As an infant and when she became a believer. Then she moved and her new church said she had to do it their way for it to count. Is there a right way, Lord? I know that Sheila now says she shouldn’t have done it the third time. What if this is one of those things – doing it ‘cuz my church says to do it their way? But if it didn’t mean anything the first time….

I like my church, Lord, but do I really have to put my head under water? I know that is how most churches do adult baptism because that is how they did it in the Bible, but is really necessary? I mean, You know that I have a fear of water. You know that in my past someone held my head underwater. I haven’t put my head under since. I don’t know if I can.

I know. Trust You. Guess that is what this is all about isn’t it, Lord? Do I trust You enough to obey You in spite of my fears? Do I love You enough to stand up and publicly state my decision to follow You, even if my parents and friends don’t understand?

Yes! I do trust You, Lord Jesus. I do love You enough to explain my decision to my family and friends. But please give me the words to do so gracefully.

Guess I better catch Pastor Marty before I leave church and tell him I want to be part of the Baptism Service. As he starts his sermon, Lord, show me what else you have for me this morning.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.