There are some things in life I don't think I would ever forget. There are some things that I will always cherish. One of those things was getting baptized this past Wednesday.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
Newness of life: this is what the Lord is calling me to in this season of my life. He is calling me out of being a spiritual boy into becoming a spiritual man. He is calling me into a lot of things, but I'm ready for the challenge because I have been crucified with Christ. I know the Lord is calling me to big things for the sake of His Kingdom.
My journey with the Lord started a little bit over four years ago. Ever since then I always had the thought of being baptized again. I was baptized as a young boy, but I didn't understand nor know why I was getting baptized. I have no clue why it took me so long, but I'm glad it took me as long as it did. The day couldn't have been any better. My entire old team got to be there (if you do not know, we had team changes about two weeks ago) to witness this special moment for me. I told them in Guatemala that I had been thinking about getting baptized again. The place was perfect. It was a little river stream with the sun beaming down on it. When we pulled up to the place I instantly knew that this was it. As I looking at the stream, all I could think about was Jesus getting baptized by John (by the way, the man who baptized me was named John, too). It was also the day of Pentecost.
(the amazing view)
Now, what you all have been waiting for! I got in the water and it was cold. John asked me baptism questions and… I went under! This time was better than the first. When I was younger I didn't what it meant to repent and be baptized. Could God
have taught me- of course yes- but He had another plan for me. It was a plan to make me the man I am today. When I came up, I knew He was pruning me of struggles in my life. I knew He was cleaning me so I could bear more fruit (John 15). I came up with a deeper desire for Jesus. I came up with a deeper desire to let go of things that I am still holding on to. I came up with a deeper desire to follow Him all the days of my life. I came up with more of the Holy Spirit.
(That's Emily; we got baptized by her contact John)
I'm excited for what God is doing in my life. He has me in His hands and is continuing to mold me daily. Every day I must decrease so He can increase in my life. I'm learning to let go of my life and let Him take control. It is an awesome feeling to know the Creator of the universe is in control of my life. What an awesome feeling?!!
I'll close with this because this is my only wish: One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple (Psalms 27:4).
(my new team:left- Andi, me, Karilyn, Christine, Daniel, and Jordan in the back)
photo credits by Daniel Gerardo Gonzalez-Marquez
