I knocked softly on his dressing room door.In the distance I could hear the congregation singing.
I felt foolish and embarrassed. But I had to tell him. I could not wait for another second to go by. If I had to wait, well then, my heart would burst wide open!
For heaven's sake! He was trying to change clothes for the baptismal service that was awaiting him in the church auditorium. And here I was, standing at this door, crying, trying to compose myself so I could make some sense when I spoke. Could I not do anything right? Not even something so monumental as this?
"Brother Lynn", "I need to speak to you."
After what seemed like an eternity, my pastor opened up the door and I told him. I told him that as he had preached that evening's message I had asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart and that He had done so! I had repented of my sins and wanted to follow Him forever.
My pastor seemed a little surprised.
Yes, I had been a church member, but in name only. Not only that, when I had went forward that evening during the invitation, I was so full of God's love and overwhelmed it was difficult for me to speak. So ,as I mumbled what was apparently incoherent repentant words to my pastor, he just shook my hand and me, not knowing what else to do, returned to my seat!
As I sat there, I knew he had misunderstood. What could I do? He was already making his way to the back of the church to change his clothes for the baptismal services.
A few minutes went by and I could stand it no longer. TODAY was the day and NOW was the time! Eternity stood in the balance and I could not proceed without declaring to my church, my family and the world what had just taken place! Jesus had come to live in my heart!
So, with as much boldness as I could summon up, I bolted for the back of the church and got that preacher out of his dressing room!
Brother Lynn was a good and gracious pastor. He smiled and we both apologized to each other. Him for not understanding during the invitation and me for being a blubbering mess. We had prayer and he escorted me out front tell the church my good news.
I got baptized that very night in the same dress I had come to church in. I was six months pregnant with my second child Scott. The pastors wife loaned me some of her clothes to go home in.
It was nice getting saved and baptized during the same service. Even if I did have trouble speaking and had to run the preacher down in his dressing room!
The middle of March will make 35 years since that night I was so wonderfully touched by the Master's hand and what a journey it has been!
My earnest prayer is that if you are seeking to step out and make that decision, do it today, do it now. Whatever it takes. You will never regret it!
For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
