Devotional: My First Love

by Rebecca Gomez

Originally published in Looking Up Magazine, February 2004

Suggested scripture reading: Galatians 1:11-24

I was in the fifth grade when my family started going to church. One Sunday morning I sat somewhere in the middle of the crowd of children gathered for children’s church. It was probably my second visit. Strangers surrounded me, my younger brother being the only exception. But I didn’t feel alone. He was there. I had been introduced to him before, and though I didn’t know him, I somehow knew that he was absolutely wonderful. I was aware of him during the entire Children’s Church service, and I wondered if he had noticed me.

When the service was drawing to an end, something happened that I hadn’t expected. Around me, several children were getting up from their seats and moving toward the front of the crowd. I wasn’t sure what to do. It was all so new to me. But then I heard someone calling my name. I knew that voice. He was calling my name!

I looked around, feeling a bit shy and unsure. But then he called my name again and I couldn’t resist. I got up from my seat and made my way through the crowd of children, to the front of the room. He met me there, and as I prayed, I knew that he would be with me for the rest of my life.

God is calling your name too. Have you answered him?

Questions or prayer requests? Email us!