Salvation Story

My four-year-old daughter, KBH, asked Jesus to come into her heart last night! It was a very exciting night in our house. Before I tell her story, I feel the need to explain what "asking Jesus in her heart" means and why such a thing would be significant. I will keep it pretty basic and use the AWANA Bible verses my children have learned:
In KBH's Cubbies class, she learned that -
A = "All have sinned" Romans 3:23. We believe that all people sin (we do things God has told us not to do.) We are born sinners. Sin separates us from God.
C = "Christ" - "While we were sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. Because we are sinners, we need a Savior. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior. Jesus died on the cross to pay the punishment for our sin. Those who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior will receive everlasting life.
In CAH and NCH's Sparks class, they learned that -
S = Savior "The Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world." 1 John 4:14
P = Power "Great is our Lord and mighty in power" Psalm 147:5
A = According to the Scriptures "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3
R = Rose again "And that He was buried and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:4
K = Keep "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, He is guilty of all" James 2:10
S = Saved "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" Acts 16:31
They also learned "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Last night, I was cleaning up after dinner. I had spent many hours cleaning and scrubbing, mopping and windexing all day, and when I dished up cornbread to go with the chili for dinner, I knew there would be a crumbly mess afterwards! As I swept around the girls, I told them that someday they would be mamas and they would be cleaning their children's messes, and that they would think of me and remember watching me sweep and clean. A few minutes later (I guess they were actually listening!), KBH said, "Whose mama will you be then?" I told her I would still be her mama, but I would also be a grandma to her children. She thought some more and asked where Dama would be (Dama is my mom.) I said that Dama would be a great-grandma, like Beam (my mom's mom.) Somehow, it came up that someday Beam and Dama and I would all die. (I think maybe CAH said something about people dying when they get older.) KBH's eyes grew wide! She said, "Oh no, mama! I don't want you and Dama and Beam to die!" I told her it was ok, that it was part of God's plan, that all people will die one day. I asked her if she remembered talking about heaven and living forever with Jesus. (We have talked about this before and she has always flat out REFUSED to ask Jesus into her heart - "I don't want Him in there!" she used to say.) This time, she really saw with new eyes...she understood that asking Jesus into her heart didn't mean she was going to heaven right that second, but one day, when her life on earth is done. I asked her if she wanted to pray with me and she did! CAH was thrilled for her sister, but instantly asked about NJH (who is only 2 years old.) I told her not to worry, that she could teach NJH and help him pray that prayer when he gets a little older. It warms my heart to hear one sibling's concern about another's salvation! In fact, NCH used to be so upset when KBH refused to ask Jesus into her heart...when I told him later about KBH's prayer, he beamed with delight!!
I felt like I was walking on air the rest of the night - our most strong-willed, exuberant child has made a huge decision! I am so thankful.