God is able to fill our lives with love and peace if asked

Nothing we can do will make the Father love us less; nothing we do can make Him love us more. He loves us unconditionally with an everlasting love. All He asks of us is that we respond to Him with the free will that He has given us.

-- Nancie Carmichael

I may not know anything about him, but I know that his life changed dramatically that day. It was at least two months ago, and I can’t remember many specific things about him at all. I don’t recall what he wore or how tall he was. I don’t know if his hair was curly or straight, or if his eyes were brown or blue. I remember that he was in his 20s, and he sat next to his mom. It was a Sunday morning and the young man stood and said, “I believe.” That short sentence represented a long-term, eternal change for that young man, and for the other men and women who stood and proclaimed their belief that day. Many tears of joy were shed, including my own, for people I didn’t even know, because I knew they stood after deciding to believe in and trust God with their lives.

My husband Jon and I go to church on Sunday mornings, and often what I hear there will stay with me long after I am home. Sometimes I am challenged by the message in the sermon to make a change in my life or try something new. There are certain Sundays when I find myself praying for people I don’t know, but I know to pray for them because it is a Sunday when our pastor will give them the opportunity to choose to ask God to be a part of their lives. He then encourages them to stand and say, “I believe.” Two months ago, I was especially excited when I saw that young man stand and declare his new belief in God during the service. I had noticed him earlier when we had a time to greet those around us. I shook hands with the mother and noticed that her son looked unhappy and tried to avoid greeting anybody.

We sang about God’s love and peace that morning, and I felt compelled to pray for the young man because when I’d seen his face, he appeared to be in deep, inner turmoil.

Toward the end of the service, the pastor explained that God longs to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us, and that God is anxious to bring his love, peace and guidance into our lives. He also said that it is up to each of us to invite him to be a part of our lives, and that God will do so when we ask.

I know that people around the church were praying for all those who were contemplating that life-changing decision. He encouraged people who made that decision to stand and say, “I believe.”

I cried as people stood, especially the young man behind me. His mother was crying tears of joy, as was he, and I noticed a look of peace on his face.

How amazing it is that we have access to God, who is anxious and able to fill our lives with love and peace; all we have to do is ask.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

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