Written by Kim L. Johnson

You know, when my pastor asked me to teach a baptism class and then baptize the students later, I felt a little stressed out. I didn’t mind doing the research and putting the class together, it was the teaching of the subject and being in front of people that was a little nerve racking to me. Who would guess that at my age I would be shy. Go figure.

Anyway, after teaching the class, I felt relived when the three days were over, and I honestly dreaded the baptism day which was fast approaching. I inwardly hoped that somehow I could get out of the entire thing, even though I knew this was one of the most important days of my students lives.

In case you don’t know, A water baptism symbolizes Jesus dying on the cross. The immersing in the water symbolizes Jesus being buried in the tomb; and being raised from the water symbolizes Jesus rising from the dead. Basically, we bury the old life, and when we rise out of the water, we rise to walk in a new life.

In any event, my nervousness and shyness made me want to ask the pastor to get someone else to do the water baptism, especially the closer we got to the actual day. But it seemed that God was having none of that!

When the day actually came, I literally felt sick. I woke up early that morning and didn’t eat or drink before church. Not only that, the temperature was in the 90’s, there was no air conditioning in the church and I had on a mask. I think the devil was trying to mess with me because he knew the importance of the day too and how I felt.

But God….

When the time finally came to do the baptisms, I changed into my robe and got into the baptismal pool thinking “okay let’s do this,” but to my surprise I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. I began crying and praising God. I was so thankful to Him for using me. I felt humbled, and the words ‘still’ escape the enormity of my emotions.

Father I praise Your Name! There is no One like You Lord, No One! Thank You for ignoring me and my behavior. Thank You! I am sorry and repent of my sins and thoughts. Amen

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