My First Yes to Jesus

Who told you about Jesus?

Jay, (or Hot & Hunky as I called him) was a fine specimen of a man with broad shoulders and a dazzling smile. He was street smart and book smart, chivalrous and funny. I couldn’t help but be drawn to him. The way he treated me – kind, considerate, and attentive – was very different than any of the cavemen I’d dated in the past.

We met in college and over the course of the next few years, he told me about Jesus.  “Just say yes to Him, Robyn. He loves you!”

But, I couldn’t say yes to Jesus. I knew I was damaged goods from years and years of lying, cheating, stealing, dating for money, drug and alcohol abuse. I just couldn’t bring myself to believe I was worthy of God’s love.

My First Yes

Several years into our on-again, off-again relationship, Jay took me to a Christmas program and everything he had been telling me for so long finally gelled. I sat in an ancient pew, surrounded by stained glass scenes of Jesus, illuminated by the candlelight. The Christmas story unfolded and as the “angel choir” swelled their Hallelujah, my heart thundered in my chest, my hands trembled and my eyes filled with tears.

“What is happening to me?”

The the sparkly-eyed pastor stood. “Tonight an invitation is extended to all. God has sent his Son to save you because he loves you so much! All of us on this earth are sinners. The wages of sin is death, and that means we’re all bound for eternal damnation unless we confess our sins to God Almighty and turn away from them.

Jesus died in your place, and my place, and then rose from the dead after three days in the grave to prove he had conquered death. Jesus is the only way to God and eternal life in heaven. Tonight, it’s my prayer that anyone who has not already done so receive Jesus as their personal Savior. If you feel the presence of the Lord, invite him to save you!”

I silently repeated the prayer after the pastor. 

“Dear Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner … Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins … I am asking you to forgive me … I open the door of my life and receive you as my resurrected Savior … Thank you for giving me eternal life … Amen.”

No regrets.

I have never regretted that first yes or the thousands of yeses that followed. Yes to:

• Forgiving myself for the past.
• Giving up bad habits and destructive patterns in my life.
• Finding joy in Him no matter the circumstances.
• Agreeing in prayer for other’s salvation.
• Surrendering my way to His plan.

Have you said yes to Jesus as Savior?  Is today the day you start or start over? You can pray this little prayer and know for sure you’re forgiven and redeemed. 

Dear Lord Jesus, I’m saying yes to you.  I admit that I am a sinner … Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins … I am asking you to forgive me … I open the door of my life and receive you as my resurrected Savior … Thank you for giving me eternal life … Fill me with your Holy Spirit, I want to follow you. Amen. 

Tis the season for Jesus and miracles. May you experience His peace and Presence in your life now and forever. 

Leave me a comment to let me know about your most recent “Yes” to Jesus. 

Prayer: God, we welcome you into our lives and circumstances. Bring your peace and wisdom. In Jesus Name amen.