Love Transformed this Little Boy's Life

Today, I am going to share with you an amazing story that happened to me about six months ago. I recorded me sharing it in person, but I have the story in my own written words below. I hope this story encourages you the same way it did me.

A few months ago, I was attending a leadership conference at Pepperdine University. We were in between sessions, and we were headed down to the cafeteria for lunch. But there were several other gatherings going on at the same time so there was a wide range of people. And the cafeteria was slammed, so there were almost no seats left. The only seating available was at the same table as a bunch of twelve-year-olds on a tennis team.

So, my friends and I made our way over to their table and took a seat across from them. They all were on the other side of the table with their backs against the wall. After a little bit, everyone at the table relaxed, and I started talking to one of the boys. He was very well spoken and was most definitely the head of the group. After chatting with him a bit, I felt God lay it on my heart to ask him if he had ever been to church.

It was a natural conversation, and I found out his family only went to church for Christmas and Easter. But probably the most interesting factor was that he knew nothing of what sin was. He had no real standards for what was good and bad. I explained to him what those lines were and why we had them, but I could see he was struggling with the reality that he was a sinner. So, after I was sure I had given him some food for thought, I changed the subject back to other things.

But over at the opposite end of the table, I had noticed there was one twelve-year-old who seemed captivated by what I was saying. After I finished the conversation with the first boy, I went over to the end of the table and asked the second little boy what his name was. It turns out his name was Lane, and when I asked if he was interested in what I was saying, he said he really was and asked me if I could tell him more.

Lane was in a similar situation as the first boy, without knowledge of what sin was, and having only been to church a handful of times. But very different than the first boy, Lane was ready to listen. When I started telling him about sin, it became very clear to me that I needed to read what it was to him directly from the source.

This conference was a Christian conference, so we would bring our Bibles with us to the sessions, but we never took them to lunch. Ever. But for some reason, this day had been different. For absolutely no reason whatsoever, I had brought my Bible to lunch with me and had it under my chair. Now looking back, I can see it was a total God-moment.

The miracles didn't stop there as I pulled out my Bible and intended on flipping to the ten commandments. But I didn't have to look at all, because my Bible fell right open to that page. There were no bookmarkers, folded pages, or anything that would have caused it to fall open there. Amazed to see God's hand in our conversation, I started laying out to Lane what sin was and why it was in the world.

Lane's heart was ready to be touched by God, because he immediately saw what so many adults cannot see. That he was a sinner in need of a Savior. He started crying, and the heartbreak in his face when he realized what sin did almost made me cry right along with him. I've cried over the conversation several times since.

It was obvious that he was ready to know there was hope of redemption through Jesus. I told him that he didn't have to stay in his sins, and that God loved him so so much that He sent his only Son to die on the cross for him and take away his sins if only He believed. To Lane, this was mind shattering. The wonder by which he viewed Jesus's sacrifice has made me reflect back upon my faith many times.

Again, I opened my bible intending on turning to a verse about Jesus's love this time. But my Bible fell open again to the perfect page. Matthew 19:14: "Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”" When Lane heard that verse, he broke down in tears all over again, but this time it wasn't because he was sad, but because he knew that Jesus loved him.

I could see that love transform inside Lane, as he recognized for the first time that his creator loved him and wanted a personal relationship with him. The leadership conference was going to start without me if I didn't hurry, so once I showed Lane the hope, I asked him if he would think about what we talked about. He agreed readily and without hesitation. Again, I felt God moving, so I told him he could put his faith in Jesus right then and there.

Lane was so so eager to do so, that at first, I was a little concerned he didn't really understand that following Jesus meant putting things of the world behind him. But even after I had repeated myself multiple times, Lane still wanted to ask Jesus into his heart. I asked if I could pray for him, and looking back, I can say that was one of the most moving and powerful moments in my life.

This encounter, so clearly orchestrated by God, made it clear that it wasn't convincing arguments, sufficient proof, or perfectly articulated speeches that saved people. It was at the heart the love of God, and that love entering their hearts was what moved people to wanting a relationship with Christ. I hope this encourages you and gives you the same peace that I felt and still feel. We aren't the ones who save people. But God is. And His love is enough.