Crosswalk Video

A Prayer for Co-Laboring with God

A few months ago, my middle daughter accepted Christ, it was a day we’d prayed for since her birth, and my husband and I were beyond excited. We attend church regularly, pray, read the Bible as a family, and have numerous godly...
Feb 02, 2023
My Crosswalk Follow topic Follow author

A few months ago, my middle daughter accepted Christ, it was a day we’d prayed for since her birth, and my husband and I were beyond excited. We attend church regularly, pray, read the Bible as a family, and have numerous godly influences. I wasn’t surprised when Abigail, my daughter, began asking questions about accepting Christ a few months earlier.

It started with a question on the way to school about what a person should pray to receive salvation. Then it was multiple questions before bedtime, with the final pronouncement that “Yes! I want to accept Jesus,” was exclaimed at the dinner table.

Afterward, my husband and I prayed with her, listening as she admitted her sin, asked for forgiveness, and announced that she desired to be saved and for Christ to rule her life. We invited our pastor to come over and speak with her in preparation for baptism in the following weeks. When our pastor left, he looked at my husband and said, “It is obvious you have spoken numerous times about the gospel, she knows it, and I’m confident she is a new sister in Christ!”

Walking back inside, trying to hide my annoyance, my husband asked what was wrong. I knew it shouldn’t have mattered that our pastor was just talking in general, with no slight to me, but I couldn’t help but feel resentful that he didn’t acknowledge my role in helping lead my daughter to Christ.

The truth was, however, that while yes, my husband, our church, and family members all played a part in encouraging Abigail to accept Christ, it was only by God’s grace that she received the gift of salvation.

Read the full devotional here.

Stock footage courtesy: ©Soundstripe, Cottonbro/Pexels

Photo courtesy: ©SWN Design/Soundstripe

Originally published February 02, 2023.

Laura Bailey author bio photoLaura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages others to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Laura holds a certificate in Biblical Women's Studies from SEBTS and serves as a workplace chaplain and the director of women’s ministries at her church. She is the author of multiple books and Bible studies; her most recent one on Habakkuk explores Habakkuk’s message of hope Amid Uncertainty. She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and 3 daughters.  She attends Macedonia Baptist Church, where she is the director of Women’s Ministry and teaches Bible studies weekly.  Learn more about her ministry and her books: www.LauraRBailey.com connect on Facebook and Instagram

SHARE