John 3:33
Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true.
When I decide to go back to school to earn a degree in education, I have many years experience as a paraprofessional. Enough, I hope, when matched with a stellar college record, to earn me a teaching position in a private school where a state issued certificate is not necessarily required.
I apply at a local Christian academy. My interview with the headmaster goes swimmingly. By the end of the week, the call comes which confirms I am hired.
Ecstatic doesn't begin to describe how I feel!
It is the end of the school year. I have all summer, with pay from my current position, to look forward to a job as a true teacher and the higher income it promises.
Jump to the middle of August. School begins in two weeks. I get a call . . .
The headmaster who hired me resigns over the summer. A new one is in place. He wants to meet with me. The secretary doesn't say why . . .
A host of fears and speculations plague my mind.
Does he just want to meet me? Is there something he doesn't like from looking at my application? Can he decide to let me go? Fire me? All because I was hired by someone else?
I shudder at the thought. I have already resigned from my paraprofessional job. What will I do now?
Nothing. Other than meet with him. Face the music. Take whatever comes as God's plan for me at this juncture in my life.
The day of our appointment arrives. I cloak my nervousness with what I pray is a winning, confident smile. I purposely get to the school early and wait in the front office. The secretary is friendly and conversational which puts me more at ease.
Right on time, the new headmaster appears in the doorway and cordially invites me into his office. We shake hands, take our seats, and exchange the customary pleasantries.
Then, the bomb drops . . .
Unexpected. Unanticipated. Unprepared for.
"Ms. Murdy, would you please share with me how and when you were saved?"
My mind races. Back to the Sunday I chose to return to the Episcopal Church. The voice I heard booming in my head the moment I entered the nave.
"Welcome home!"
That's when I knew. That's how I knew. It is my testimony. It is God's truth.
But, will it be enough for the headmaster?
As the words tumble forth, I pray he hears my heart.
When I finish, there is a broad smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.
He extends his hand to me once again and says, in the very words I heard from the Lord -
"Welcome home!"
~
When and how did Jesus become Lord of your life?
Will you pray with me?
Thank you, Father, for the saving grace of Your Son. Without His sacrifice, we would be lost in a world of sin and darkness, forever separated from Your love. Because of Him, we can know and serve You as Your children. And, when we are called to Heaven, we can count on hearing You say, "Welcome home!" Amen.
Readings
Psalms 38 or 119:25-48
Genesis 9:18-29
Hebrews 6:1-12
John 3:22-36
That's a great story with a happy ending. Unknown to you God was clutching your hand throughout the process and your worries were for naught. Confessing ones faith aloud says so much about a christian and the conviction they hold. God and the headmaster both saw your heart on that day and rewarded you justly. Thanks for sharing!! Blessings :)
ReplyDeleteHi, David, thanks so much for dropping in today!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you liked this story. Yes, God knew exactly where He wanted me during the two years I served at this school and He knows how grateful I am, all these years later, for having been with these wonderful, gracious, and caring people.
Blessings to you!
Loved your story. Reminds me of when I was working at a private christian school, every time the director would call me to the office I was always so nervous.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
Hi, Debbie, thank you so much for visiting today!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you could relate to those feelings, albeit they are never comfortable ones. No one likes to be called in by the boss . . . :)
Blessings to you!
Nice story, glad you were able to get the job. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Joseph, and welcome! Good to have you on board. :)
DeleteYes, that job was indeed a tremendous blessing for me and my children. I will always remember these awesome, caring people with whom I worked.
Blessings!
Great story, I will have to ponder that question! Glad it had a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Glad to know you will be pondering the question; it is all important. :)
DeleteBlessings!
Oh Martha, I know I haven't missed this LOL but that means my reflection yesterday didn't make it.
ReplyDeleteSo I pause and reflect on the times I was asked to testify God in my life. There is one that I think is more powerful than words and they are actions. That's the testimony that could shock people and ask why, how and WHO makes our life so joyous and wonderful :)
I am very glad that you claim your home in Christ. Welcome back makes me think of the prodigal son parable.
I pray with you and for all of us who longs to hear these words of embrace :)