"That which Israel was seeking for, it has not obtained,
but those who were chosen obtained it,
and the rest were hardened."
Romans 11:7
I did not choose God. He chose me.
Raised in a Christian home, attending church every Sunday and Wednesday, I remember no conscious interest in relationship with God. That weekday I went to the revival in Merigold, MS because everyone was doing it. It was a way to miss two hours of school. I was eleven years old and little did I know that God would meet me that morning.
We were singing the invitation. I suddenly knew I was a sinner, that I was lost, and my eternal destination was hell. Right now I can see in my mind's eye exactly where I stood in the downstairs fellowship hall -- right side, half way back. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was tagged. There was no getting around it.
I went home from school that afternoon. I remember it was stormy. Heavy rain had filled the ditches. I went into the house and told my dad, and the revival preacher, what had happened that morning. They led me to complete my decision. I made it public that night.
My choice? Yes and No!
I could choose whether or not I would obey the call of God. But it wasn't my choice of Jesus. It wasn't even my choice to get saved. It was God's choice. His call! Mine was to obey.
I didn't do anything. Salvation is not by works. It is by grace, and God was gracious to me. I just responded to His draw.
Thank You, Father
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