The one about a mom's answered prayer...

Isn't is great when something happens and you just know it is something God has done... an answered prayer, or unexpected blessing? I love it!

On March 5th, Collin came downstairs after doing a Bible lesson. He was in tears, barely able to speak. At first, I thought something was wrong, but actually, something was very right! He told me that he had prayed for Jesus to save him! Those words are the most precious for a mother. None can compare! They are etched in my memory forever!

I marvelled at the understanding of this 10-year old son of mine! I can't even begin to express the emotional and spiritual clarity with which Collin described his confession and repentance of sin, and profession of faith. His fear of Hell and hope of eternity in Heaven were strongly felt.

As Collin neared his 10th birthday, and more fervently after, I prayed earnestly for God to knock very loudly on his heart's door, but I was determined, despite my personality, not to push it on him. Praise God, I didn't even have to be present! The wonderful truth is that Collin felt compelled by the Word of God, not an overbearing or desperate mother.

For as long as I can remember, I've imagined from living with Collin day-in and day-out that he would be around 10-years-old when he'd be appropriately aware of what giving one's life to the Lord requires. And because he's spent that last four years with me working at Victory Home, he has seen first-hand the effects of half-hearted and whole-hearted decisions for Christ. He has found, with us adults, that Heaven and Hell really do hang in the balance for every person that walks through our doors. We've seen guys leave... and die. He knows getting saved is not just something you do or say... it is who you are, how you live, why you exist. And he knows this, not because of anything I have done right as a parent, but because Jesus died for him, and God loves him and prepared his heart to understand that there are only two choices in this life: one leads to death, and the other to life.

Only time will tell of the condition of Collin's heart. For now, I know that my conversation with him that night was about as genuine as it can get. Children can be dramatic, and sometimes I think my boy should be in front of a camera, but about serious things he is just that... serious.

Just last night, he asked me whether I noticed any changes in him. I was able to list a few, but told him that most of his would be on the inside, as conforming outwardly for disciplined children is rather easy. He replied that he realized he sinned more than he thought on any given day, and had to pray for forgiveness much more than before. I told him that it is one of the wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit... growing increasingly aware of what we do that offends God, and wanting to make it right.

God is at work in my not-so-little boy's life, and I can't thank Him enough!