As a child I heard of Jesus Christ. I heard the Bible was the Word of God. Around 10 years of age my Grandfather explained God's saving Grace through his son, Jesus, to me. How Jesus was the perfect, sinless sacrifice, his blood covering the sins of any person who believed it. He asked if I believed this. I said, "I do," for I did. I didn't feel anything, and that was that.
Five years later, at the age of 15, I was in church, the alter call was given and the congregation sang "Just As I Am." The Holy Spirit came upon me and convicted me of my sins. I tell you it was a battle. I was sweating and gripped the back of the pew in front of me as tight as I could. I was breathing heavily, crying, swaying, my knees weak. There was warmth, a pressing in. Then, I gave in, turned loose of the pew and took one hard step, then another and another, each getting lighter and easier. I was now weeping and couldn't get to the alter fast enough. I knelt there and asked God to forgive me. (I don't know if I said the words aloud or if they were in my mind.)
In a moment I felt a hand on my shoulder...then another and another, voices---prayers---beseeching God for me. One of the voices spoke to me and asked, what I needed prayer for. I told him I was sorry for my sins. He asked if I had asked God for forgiveness of my sins. I said, "I have," for I had. He then asked, "Do you believe Jesus died for your sins?" I said, "I do," for I did. He asked, "Do you want to ask Jesus to come into your heart and be your Savior and Lord of your life?" I said, "I do," for I did. He asked me if I wanted to pray myself or if I wanted him to pray with me. I told him I wanted him to pray with me. (All the while I am still weeping and the other men are still praying. They were a comfort to me.) He said I will lead you but for me to say what words I wanted to say.
As soon as I asked Jesus into my heart a great weight was lifted from me, then a great joy well-up inside me. When I stood I was physically weak, and hugged all those that were comforting me. With tears still gently flowing I walked back up the isle to my seat. I couldn't feel my feet touching the ground.
This walking-on-air feeling lasted three days---at home, at school, where ever I was. It was wonderful and I will never forget it.
Thank you Father.
Joseph
tTt
