About 10 years ago, I was standing towards the middle of a Youth service with about 75-100 people there. When the invitation time came, and the music started to play, one of the leaders looked at me and asked if I would come up to the front to pray with those in need. My knees were shaking, my hands were sweaty, and I had a death grip on my Bible like no other, yet I said yes and took a step towards the front! I was terrified and had no idea what to expect.
One by one people were kneeling at the alter to pray. It was packed! God was moving in people’s hearts and I knew he had a purpose for me standing there awkwardly. About the time the music was ending, a young girl named Grace came up to the front crying. Her mother was holding her hand, but she looked right at me and said she wanted to know Jesus was in her heart. I knelt down, held her hand, and talked to her about salvation. That day, the Lord let me be a part of His plan. I was able to lead Grace to the Lord and honor my Father in Heaven by fulfilling His plan. When I spoke to her, God gave me the words to say and the confidence to overcome my fears.
““When they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11
“When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” Luke 12:11-12
The moment the Pastor looked at me and called me to the front, I panicked, and a million questions ran through my head. “Why me? I’m just a new Christian! I don’t know what I’m doing! What if someone asks me a question I don’t know! How will I ever be able to lead someone to the Lord?!” I doubted myself and my abilities when all I really needed to do was TRUST in the Lord.
“I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
That day, God showed me Grace and my Place in His plan. I trusted Him, took that first step, and He showed me His love.
To be honest, I don’t know what happened to Grace after that service. Her parents were not believers and wouldn’t allow her to get baptized or join the church. I never saw her again, but I know that God saw her that day and changed her life forever. Grace has a place in Heaven and Jesus in her heart. She received Christ that day not because of me or the prayer that I lead her in, but because of God. God had a plan all along and He knew exactly who would be a part of it.
Don’t let fear hold you back from serving the Lord.
Whatever your fears or doubts may be about yourself, give them to the Lord and take that first step of serving Him.
You never know whose life you could change!
Grace, wherever you are, thank you for being brave and stepping out on faith and receiving Christ as your Lord and Savior! I pray that God has blessed your life tremendously and changed the hearts of your family members.
May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!
Kayla