Evidence

ev·i·dence – an outward sign, something that furnishes proof

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Psalms 27:13

It was one of those days that didn’t go the way I expected and I’m so thankful. I’m still lacking words to express it.

My son Maddox had been telling me all week that he had a surprise for me on Sunday. I had no clue what he was talking about nor did I give it much thought.

Yesterday morning when he walked into the large group room for kids at church he excitedly says, “The surprise is I’m getting baptized!” To which I responded, “No you’re not….wait… what? For real?” Him and my middle daughter confirm so I go on into service and Maddox stays in kids, he’d be coming into the main sanctuary towards the end of service for baptisms.

As I was worshipping I felt an overwhelming urge to be the one to baptize him. I prayed that it wasn’t just me wanting to be seen. (I struggle with pride) I felt God impress on my heart that I had authority to do this for my son and not to miss this opportunity.

The time came to get ready for baptisms. I walk out of the sanctuary and told Terri that Maddox told me about his surprise and I asked if I could baptize him. “Of course” she replied with that ‘why would I say no to that’ look. She found me some shorts to change into. And I just so conveniently had other clothes packed in my backpack. God knew.

I didn’t know until later but as Maddox was leaving kids to go get baptized he told one of the leaders, a good friend of mine, that he was nervous. She told him no need to be nervous, that God is always with you and loves you. How sweet of God to answer him and let his mommy baptize him.

One thing I remember distinctly before I got baptized 4 years ago when I surrendered my life to Christ was how hard my heart was beating and I felt that same feeling as we were waiting to get in the water. It was such a precious and powerful moment, I wept as I prayed over my son and I was just so grateful to God that He would provide me the opportunity to do this, to be a part of this, to just experience His goodness. It was overwhelming. He is worthy of it all.

Maddox has asked a lot and I mean A LOT of questions about sin, Jesus, and baptism over the past year or so. We’ve had many discussions on what baptism truly means, what Jesus’ death on the cross means, how Jesus took the punishment we deserve, and what faith in Christ finished work means. He’s asked about getting baptized and I have always told him its something he has to talk to God about and that God will let him know when it’s time.

As we were changing after the baptism I asked Maddox what made him decide to get baptized, he simply replies, “God told me” Child like faith.

How fitting that Evidence was one of the worship songs yesterday.

“I see the evidence of Your goodness
All over my life, all over my life
I see Your promises in fulfillment
All over my life, all over my life”

Thank you Jesus.