Birthday Celebration

Every year on Stephen's birthday and again on the anniversary of his death (his new life in heaven!), I honor my son's memory by spending time with the Lord for the express purpose of thanking Him for the love I share with Stephen. And each year, God responds by giving me an unexpected and spectacular gift that soothes the pain in my heart and provides me with a tangible sign of His presence. This year was no exception!

August 30, 2009 marked the date twenty seven years ago that a blonde haired, blue-eyed, brilliantly complex little boy entered my world and forever captivated my heart. When I discovered that fellow evangelist and dear friend, Scott Eadie, would be preaching a revival in nearby Laurens County August 30-Sept 3, I made plans to attend. Scott is an incredibly gifted preacher and I knew his Spirit-filled message of deliverance would lead me right to the throne of God. On Stephen's birthday and every day in between, that is precisely where I most want to be!

Last night was extraordinary. Scott preached a sermon entitled, "So close, but not in" pointing out how so many people take steps in the right direction, some even getting close enough to kiss the door of heaven (Jesus), but never taking the only step (surrendering to Him) that secures their place in the Kingdom of God. The response was tremendous and I was thrilled to witness so many accepting the call of the Holy Spirit during the invitation. What a blessing! If God had stopped there, it would have been more than enough for me to feel the power of His arms comforting me and holding me tight.

But there was more! The Lord gave me a front row seat as a drama unfolded before me - a scene that He knew would have special meaning for me and touch my soul like nothing else could.

As the crowd of hundreds sang numerous verses of the invitation, I saw a young man (early-mid twenties) walk back down the aisle after responding to the invitation and giving his heart to Christ. He stopped at the end of the row to my left and looked at the man standing directly in front of me. Although his expression was serious, his eyes radiated a light that defied description. The man in front of me hurried past the other people in the row and took the young fellow into his arms. They talked for a few minutes and then walked behind the section where I was standing and proceded up the aisle on my right.

Again, the young man stopped at the end of a row just ahead of me. He said something to the people standing there and I saw their faces break into smiles of absolute joy. From my vantage point, I had a clear view of an elderly man's face (I assume he was the young man's grandfather) when he learned that this young man he loved so much had just accepted Jesus as his Savior. It appeared to me that all of the deep lines on his face, possibly etched there by years of fervent prayer for his family, melted away in one beautiful moment. His expression spoke volumes without saying a word and the joy that passed between them as their eyes met was electrifying.

Tears flowed freely down my face as I observed the miracle of new - everlasting - life unfold right before my eyes. What a beautiful gift from the Father who always knows and provides exactly what I need.

Thank you, Lord, for saving this young man's soul and for ministering to the deepest places of my heart as only You can do. And also for giving me a glimpse of the expression that must have been on my precious grandfather's face when Pop saw his beloved Stephen join him in heaven!

I praise God for the gift of salvation and for the promise that lights my way as I journey toward my eternal home! Do you know my Jesus? If not, please follow this link http://www.calltofaith.net/promise to discover how you can meet the One who gave His life for you. Your new - everlasting - life can begin today!