A Growing Success Story

Last month I had the chance to talk to a man named Bob. Bob isn't rich and famous. Few people outside of his hometown probably know who Bob is. Bob is a success story though. I don't know why he decided to share his story with me but he did and I'm glad.

Bob is married to a lady named Carol. Carol is and has been a faithful Christian. Bob though was never baptized. One night several years ago the minister was visiting Bob and Carol. As they were talking about salvation Bob asked the preacher if baptism really was essential to salvation. Would Bob really go to Hell if he were to die without being baptized?

At this point many would just have given their own thoughts. The preacher did a wise thing in answering. He told Bob to read Acts 2:38 and decide for himself. He then invited Bob to be baptized that night. Bob declined.

As Bob related it to me, the very next day he was at his son's house cutting limbs from a tree when he felt like he had indigestion. After some antacid failed to help, he went to the hospital. He was having heart trouble. He ended up having a bypass. He said when Carol got to the hospital she told him that she was sure he was going to be alright because she knew that God was a loving God. She believed God would let him live so he could do the right thing and be saved.

Bob was saved. When he got home he was baptized. He is an active member of his congregation. He participates in the services as a song leader. He leads prayers and serves at the communion table. If Bob's story ended there it is a success. The preacher was successful in his discussions with Bob. Carol was successful in faithfully continuing to be an example for her husband. Bob of course is the greatest success in this story. The story doesn't end there though. Bob went on to tell me that he's since baptized his son and daughter in law!

I've thought of that story of conversion often in the weeks since I talked with Bob. Tonight Bob's success once again grew. I related this story at church during the devotional portion of our service at my home congregation. As the invitation was extended a college student named Josh came forward.

He told me that though he tries and wants to try to be faithful in his service to God, he sometimes finds it difficult. He appreciated hearing about Bob and he didn't want years to go by without him being the Christian he knows he can be. He was inspired. We prayed for Josh. We'll continue to pray for Josh. I told Josh he's doing well, better than a lot of people to figure this out at an early age. I think Josh knows he has a church home with us and the support he'll want and need in his spiritual journey. I think and hope he'll do well.

I'm glad Bob talked to me. I'm glad I relayed his story. I'm glad it postively affected Josh. I'm glad Josh has the opportunity to shine his light on others. I'm glad Bob did what he did. What a success story!