The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Mark 1:5, NIV
I felt a surge of excitement when I heard the announcement that my church was going to hold a baptismal service. It had been 10 years since the last one. I'd wanted to do it then but hadn't.
So, I signed up. A few days later, I asked my husband if he wanted to be baptized again. Unlike me, he'd professed faith and been baptized as an adult.
It was about a month away, and the enemy would come and try to discourage me. What if it's just me and a bunch of kids? I thought, especially when the church leader(s) would announce that many children had signed up. Didn't it take the first time?
So much has happened since I got saved, I thought. So many bad, traumatic things....I really want to do this. It's time for my New Season!
So I resolved that, even if I were the only adult, I'd still do it. After all, although it would be in front of a few people from church, it was really between me and God.
Some of the adults may be encouraged by seeing you do this, too, came the gentle thought.
I believe that was from the sweet Holy Spirit, who continuously monitors our every thought, feeling, and word, and Who knows ahead of time what we want, and what is truly best for us--and ever leads us in those right paths (Psalm 23).
After all, I reminded myself, I do not have the spirit of fear, and what would it matter what anyone thought in the negative? Besides that, people were often distracted and thinking about themselves, and just waiting for the service to be over, although they usually rejoiced quickly with one another in Christ.
I realized it was my flesh and the enemy trying to keep me from this.
Who knows? This may bring a breakthrough to someone watching, especially an adult, I told myself, and it will be an example to the kids that even an adult can humble herself and submit as the LORD leads.
My husband kept asking me details about the baptism, and I wondered why he was anxious about it. It turned out that he had changed his mind and wanted to be baptized. He got in at the last minute!
So, the big day came. It was a very special day for many reasons--the formal dedication of the new revival tent (magnificent and stately, on a huge concrete pad), plus many baptisms; about fifteen elementary-age children, plus my husband, one other man, and me.
Gee, what I had thought would be "small," was not and not only was the entire church body there, but they were streaming it live! So, I was going to be on worldwide television, getting baptized!
Some of the girls seemed pleased that I was there with them, and one of the little boys told me he thought it was neat.
As I've asked the LORD when I do things (like signing for worship, and dancing to the LORD, albeit usually at the back), I never want to distract anyone--only bring glory to Him--and He is faithful. So I asked Him to use my obedience to minister to others.
I know that He did! I was actually the last person to be baptized. But it was refreshing and liberating!
As I'm learning about many things concerning our walk as Believers in Christ, it's not about me--it's about serving my glorious, victorious King Who is Love (I John 4:8), Who died for me and rose again, that I might live for Him; that those who see me live for Him might also desire the Zoe Life He gives (John 10:10)! Hallelujah!
So, if you're unsure whether to do it again, know this: It is not an offence to God nor the church or pastor where you were baptized the first time. It is an act of humility and obedience to the LORD, and He can use it in ways you may never know till Heaven! Go for it!