Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Leadership (03/14/05)
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TITLE: A Little Child Shall Lead Them | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Treharne
03/21/05 -
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As they headed for church, Kelly asked, “How’s your mom, today, Brian?”
“Oh, she’s fine, Mrs. Adams - but she has one of her headaches...” Brian fidgeted with the seat belt then added, “She said to tell you Hi and thanks for taking me to church.”
Kelly nodded to him, thinking about his mother. Since her husband left her, Sue had suffered with migraines. Kelly prayed for her to find relief, but also that she would accept Christ as her son had done. It hadn’t been long after they moved into the neighborhood that Joey and Brian became friends, and about six months later, Brian asked Jesus into his heart. He repeatedly asked his mother to do the same, but even though she came to church on special occasions, she couldn’t bring herself to turn to the Lord. Kelly continued to pray for Brian’s successful intervention and God’s will for Sue.
This week was the final opportunity for the cast members to refine their performance for the Thanksgiving presentation, for which the boys and Marci had been rehearsing every Wednesday night and Saturday morning for the past three weeks. After everyone was home again, Kelly called Sue to invite her to Saturday’s dress rehearsal. “Great. We’ll pick you both up around 10.”
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The kids were chattering back stage wearing their assigned costume, and the director was waving his hand to get their attention and quiet them down. Sue and Kelly sat down front where they had a good view.
The first practice had some flaws which were discussed, but the second one came off without a hitch. Mr. Donald dismissed most of the kids except for a small group which included Marci. Brian and Joey came and sat with their moms.
Then, Pastor Mark came to the podium and said, “While Mr. Donald is finishing up, I would like to say a few words of thanks to you parents. Because of your encouragement and support, your children have been blessed by their participation and others will be blessed by this play.” He paused a moment before continuing. “As I look out over this group, I recognize most but not all of you, and it occurs to me that some of you may not have accepted Jesus into your lives.”
Kelly felt Sue stiffen beside her. Brian reached over and took his mother’s hand, squeezed it tight and smiled up hopefully into her face.
“I would like to ask all of you to bow your heads now, and with every eye closed I want to offer those among you who have not yet decided to ask Christ into your heart, to do so at this time. If you feel a tightening in your chest or stomach or if your heart is pounding, then maybe the Holy Spirit is prompting you to raise your hand so I can pray with you. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by…yes…I see your hand in the back, and the one to my left. You may put your hands down. Anyone else before I pray. Anyone who…”
“Yes…down in front. God sees your heart and I see your … hand.” Seeing no more hands, he continued. “Let’s pray together…”
What only Pastor Mark saw and what took the man of God by surprise, was that when Sue raised her arm, a smaller hand supported it.
It seems that while everyone’s eyes were shut, Brian had whispered in his mom’s ear.
“Please ask Jesus into your heart, mom. Please. Then we can all be together in heaven when we die. Please?”
Sue must have seen the love expressed in her son’s eyes, and the Holy Spirit must have softened her heart, because together they raised her arm high to announce her decision.
Joey told his mom later what had happened, after Brian shared with him. Kelly smiled at him and said, “You know, somewhere in the Bible, it says …and a little child shall lead them… God is awesome, isn’t He?”
Scripture used: Isaiah 11:6 (KJV)
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