Yesterday was a good day. I spent the morning exploring the zoo with our kindergartner on his class field trip. He has been fascinated with snakes all week, according to his teacher. This was news to me, but loved seeing his excitement when we actually got to see real snakes. He cornered a zoo employee and she gave him a tour with lots of explanation. It was fun for him, but I on the other hand was a bit creeped out. The highlight for him was actually getting to pet a snake! Honestly, leaving that exhibit was a relief for me. The monkeys are more my speed. A mama monkey and I locked eyes, and it made me laugh! She had two small babies crawling all over her and a look of understanding passed between us.

The day moved along and we saw some of God’s amazing creations. He is just so creative! It was a day to be amazed by the details and confirm that only God could do what He does. Why do we doubt His hand in the making of our world and everything in it? Take a trip to the zoo if you ever need confirmation. Also, look at God’s word. “And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds – livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.’ And it was so.” (Genesis 1:24). Do you not just love the fact that “God said…and it was so.”? Only God can speak and it is so.

We wound down our visit and began walking to the car. Snakes were the topic of conversation. We began telling the story together of how satan came to Eve in the Garden disguised as a snake. I would tell a part and he would pick right up. Back and forth we went and it made me smile. We then moved to the time the children of Israel were complaining in the wilderness and God sent poisonous snakes in response to their heart condition. However, He also sent healing and those who chose to were healed.

This child has a lot of words and down the road we went talking back and forth. We talked about how satan has been lying to people ever since the Garden. We discussed his disguises and I see that so clearly these days. One of his best tricks is half truths, just enough scripture to make you believe. That it is why it is so important to read God’s Word for yourself. Know why you believe what you believe. Your parent’s faith does not save you and neither does being a good person. There is only One way to salvation and His name is Jesus.

Back to our car ride. He started asking questions and I answered. We then began talking about Heaven and Hell. He knows so much for a 7 year old! At one point he said, “Wait! You mean it is a choice?” I told him it was and we are all given that choice. You either believe or you do not. I asked him what he believed. His words were simple and so matter of fact. I love this quality in kids. I want to be more like him when I grow up. He stated simply that God made him and that He sent Jesus to us and He died on the cross. Because of sin, going against what God has told us to do, we have a problem that we can not fix. He said that after 3 days Jesus came back to life and later went back to Heaven. I kept asking, “And then what?” I loved his next response, “Do not be afraid.”

We talked about how Jesus told his disciples in John 16 that it was good for Him to go. Jesus says this, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 17:7). This Helper is the Holy Spirit. We talked about how the Holy Spirit is where our power comes from if we allow His help. Need help with temptation? Ask the Holy Spirit. We think we are so weak and give in time and time again. Left to our own strength  we fail so many times. I wanted him to know right from the beginning that he has help. When we do sin, satan comes like a crafty snake, whispering in our ear that you will never be good enough now. You have failed and there is no way God could possibly love you now.  This is such a lie! Read these words, “…but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). God can not tell a lie, so this is true. Will you believe and accept His love with Eli?

With Eli’s simple, childlike faith and us riding down the interstate, he asked to make the choice. He saw no reason to wait. I kept one hand on the steering wheel and reached another to the back seat to hold hands with this precious boy. His prayer was so simple. I started and he told God how much he loved Him. He told Him that He believed He created Him. He said that He believed that God sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay the price for our sin. He said He believed that He was buried and 3 days later came back to life. His joy of becoming a Christian was uncontainable! He could not wait to share his good news! When a sinner, even at 7 years old, comes to a cross in the road and decides to choose eternal life and be saved, it is a reason to rejoice! I will never forget yesterday.

Read what God says on this matter of salvation. It is so simple. “…because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9). When you make this step of faith, watch what happens. You will never be the same. Come be apart of the family!