A Light To My Path
Stories
Shining Moments
Visions Of The Holy In Ordinary Lives
Linda Willis Harper
I was 27 years old and very active in our United Methodist Church. I had taught Sunday school, been on the administrative board, was president of the United Methodist Women, and sang in the choir -- maybe not all at the same time, but I spent enough time at church to feel it was a second home.
One weekend, our church held a lay witness mission. Laypersons came to share their faith with us. One wonderful man who was a witness stayed in our home. I knew, from the first time I met him, there was something different about Don. He had something I lacked and wanted. All the years of service in my church had not brought me satisfaction.
On that Sunday, we were invited to come forward to the altar and accept Jesus as our personal Savior. My friend and I came down from the choir loft and knelt to pray the prayer of salvation. I didn't see or feel any "special effects." I just made a choice -- the best one of my life. That was November 20, 1972, the same day our new friend, Don, had accepted Jesus years before.
My husband bought me a Living Bible that day. I began reading, devouring, the scriptures. I couldn't get enough of the Word. Later, I recognized this as the work of the Holy Spirit.
A few weeks later, I began to have doubts about my salvation. I asked God for reassurance -- a sign -- and he gave me one I shall never forget. As I was reading his Word, Ephesians 2:8-10 leapt out at me. I saw the words as big, bright, and bold as a neon sign. The small letters of my Bible were replaced with inch high ones so I could not miss the message. It said that I was saved by grace, not by works, so I could not boast. God taught me, instantly, that his grace saved me, not all of the volunteer work I was doing.
God is so gracious to give us what we need, when we need it, as we trust him.
I was 27 years old and very active in our United Methodist Church. I had taught Sunday school, been on the administrative board, was president of the United Methodist Women, and sang in the choir -- maybe not all at the same time, but I spent enough time at church to feel it was a second home.
One weekend, our church held a lay witness mission. Laypersons came to share their faith with us. One wonderful man who was a witness stayed in our home. I knew, from the first time I met him, there was something different about Don. He had something I lacked and wanted. All the years of service in my church had not brought me satisfaction.
On that Sunday, we were invited to come forward to the altar and accept Jesus as our personal Savior. My friend and I came down from the choir loft and knelt to pray the prayer of salvation. I didn't see or feel any "special effects." I just made a choice -- the best one of my life. That was November 20, 1972, the same day our new friend, Don, had accepted Jesus years before.
My husband bought me a Living Bible that day. I began reading, devouring, the scriptures. I couldn't get enough of the Word. Later, I recognized this as the work of the Holy Spirit.
A few weeks later, I began to have doubts about my salvation. I asked God for reassurance -- a sign -- and he gave me one I shall never forget. As I was reading his Word, Ephesians 2:8-10 leapt out at me. I saw the words as big, bright, and bold as a neon sign. The small letters of my Bible were replaced with inch high ones so I could not miss the message. It said that I was saved by grace, not by works, so I could not boast. God taught me, instantly, that his grace saved me, not all of the volunteer work I was doing.
God is so gracious to give us what we need, when we need it, as we trust him.
