Washed by the Water

April 11, 2021 will always be one of the most special days of my life. It was the day I got baptized. Many people have asked me since then, why? Why did you want to get baptized? Why did you need to get baptized? And my favorite, why wasn’t it by a preacher, in your church, or with your family? All of these questions are valid and I can answer every one of them, but the real answer is that none of them matter. Baptism is a sacred practice solely between the person being baptized and God. No matter where you do it, who does it, or how you look, the holiness of God is still going to be there and He will still cleanse you from all of your sins with His holy water. A person or place does not make the water holy, God's power over the whole earth is what makes that water you step into the most peaceful, respected, and loving place to be. 

John the Baptist, a not very nice looking prophet from the New Testament got to baptize Jesus. It was not the person for Jesus nor the place, what mattered was that His father was looking at Him and was greatly pleased. I can't tell you how many times I've imagined getting to Heaven and God looking at me and not just saying "well done my good and faithful servant" but "this is my daughter with whom I am well pleased". Do you think God is well pleased with you? Have you lived the life of a person who has truly been baptized or are you living the life of someone who might need to recommit their life and return to the feet of the father. I was in that situation, I needed the redemption before baptism and even after. I have plenty of friends at school who are leaving this summer to go in all different directions. When they leave Gardner-Webb that cushy college experience they got where they were able to express their love for God easily is no longer there. It gets tough no matter where you are to follow the Lord, that being said, we live in a beautiful country where we get to scream out our love for God without being put into prison or killed, others aren't so lucky. 

What all of this has to do with baptism is that when you commit your life to the Lord, it is not yours anymore. You are a child of God and He has called you probably to different things, but don't be afraid to step out in faith because this is exactly what baptism calls for, a public proclamation that you believe the Son of God came to this earth and died for you! He didn't care where you were at that stage in your life, He wanted you then and He will still want you now! Baptism does not mean that you are going to be perfect for the rest of your life, but it does mean that as you've accepted Jesus into your life and publicly accepted Him that grace He so freely gives will always be there for you. 

May the peace and love of God be with you always,

Leah Carpenter