Family Salvation

I had the opportunity today to visit with my ailing grandfather who is approaching his 85th birthday. Doctors have told him he has cancer, along with Parkinson's and other breakdowns an 85 year old body can have. I was supposed to be in Guyana this week, but the Lord strongly told me not to go, but go visit my family.

My grandfather was always my hero when I was a young boy growing up. The joy of our entire summer was when we got to visit Ormond Beach for a couple of weeks during our school break. He is a man that always has a funny story or joke to tell. And he has the ability to ease the tension in any (loud) conversation. I think I may get my corny-ness from him! That's not an indictment against him; he tried to teach me better!

I've waited 46 1/2 years to pop the faith question to him. When I gave my life to Jesus at 14 years old, all I ever wanted out of live was to see my grandfather saved, and know he was ready to meet Jesus. It's not that I lacked the boldness to ask the question; in previous years, each time I would begin to ask, the Holy Spirit would stop me. I know, I know, I will get an email telling me that was not the Holy Ghost that was fear. But read Jude 1:22, 23

And of some have compassion, making a difference: (23) And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Every person has a unique way that they can receive and accept a presentation of the Gospel. I think more people would get involved in evangelism if we could only wrap our brain around the fact that all of us are simply one part of the soul winning process! One plants, one waters, but only God can give the increase! It's not our responsibility to pray the sinner's prayer with everyone we see! (Even though I sincerely want to be able to do that!) It's our responsibility to plant the seed…water the seed…then God makes the seed come forth in a harvest of salvation! The one who reaps is simply the last piece of the puzzle for someone to finally give in to Jesus and say yes!

Today, he told me he was ready to meet the Lord! But like many people who wait until late in live to accept Jesus, he has a lot of regrets. And a lot of fear. But I am thankful God spared his life to give him the opportunity to accept…and me the opportunity to know for sure!

We also dealt with the spirit of fear that was tormenting him. As we prayed the sweet presence of God filled the room…and none of us had dry eyes!

God is so good! And I'm so grateful He didn't let this young boy's prayers be in vain!

If we don't stand in the gap for our families, who will?

Now He needs to go to work on the rest of my folks!