For a few months I had been observing a young girl who works at the coffee shop we go to. She is from Bolivia. Although very quiet and laid back, she had strong opinions when asked to share them.
I invited her to our church Christmas celebration. She read it and exclaimed, “I am going to a Bible study with a friend tonight. I am looking forward to it!” She seemed very excited about it.
The next time I spoke with her, I asked her what she thought of the Bible study. She revealed, “I am Catholic, but I never read the Bible. I really like to learn history and events.”
I said, “Now that you are studying God’s Word, you will have to know Him first before you understand what you are reading. Do you know how to do that?” Rubbing her hands together, she looked at me uncertainly. I said, “All you have to do is talk to Him and ask Him. Would you like to ask Him now?” She smiled with curious eyes.
I took the lead and said, “Let’s pray.” Looking straight into my eyes, she prayed with me. Her eyes were eager and surrendered. She repented of her sin and gave her life to Jesus.
After we finished praying, she gave the most excited chuckle and said, “I love that.” She could hardly contain the joy that had entered her heart, Jesus! The Spirit of God had filled her with the Son of God! Her whole countenance was gleaming, and her smile was beaming! I too felt her joy and started to celebrate her new birth!
“How easy was that? Now no matter what, you will be in heaven.” She smiled bigger and sweeter, ever so full of joy! I said, “Now you will understand your study of His Word. He will tell you about Him and how much He loves you. He will help you understand the Bible!” All she could say was, “This is so good! I love this!”
Her joy was contagious! Oh, the joy of salvation in Jesus!
“Abba, Father, I was not sure about approaching this soul for you. But, I had to take the risk for Your beloved Son.”
“Messiah, even when we are unsure in ourselves about what you are doing, You send Your Holy Spirit to help us clear our doubts and press forward in faith for a soul whom You have prepared to make the decision for eternal life in You.”
“Holy Spirit, thank you for helping clear my thoughts to focus on the soul in front of me whose soul You had prepared to be in heaven. Thank YOU!”
KJV
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. - Isaiah 12:3
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10
And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation. - Psalm 35:9
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. - Romans 15:13