Paul's Confirmation

Paul affirmed his baptism vows the Sunday before last.  Paul studied doctrine in confirmation class every Sunday for two years.  Knowledge is not faith, but knowledge provides a firm foundation for faith.  Paul and I spent hours discussing what he would write for his essay.  The essay, "What Jesus Means to Me," was required and was presented by each confirmand before the pastor, the elders and the parents on the Friday evening preceding confirmation Sunday.

While preparing his essay, Paul and I talked about how from a very young age, the Holy Spirit has been working in Paul's heart.  He has convicted Paul of his sin and brought him closer to Christ.  We discussed how much hymns have meant to Paul and how from the time he was a little boy he has sung himself to sleep with hymns.  I also took the opportunity to share with Paul my desire for him to be a man of God, one who will stand strong in the gates despite the ravages of our current culture.

I also talked with Paul about how confirmation is not a "graduation," but more of a leap into even greater faith in and work for Christ and His Kingdom.  The time we spent discussing these things was a gift from God, one that was more easily received because we homeschool and we had the luxury of large (mostly!) uninterrupted times together.

                            We had a table with a display of Paul's "faith journey" box, given to him by his godparents when he was baptized, as well as my grandfather Paul's confirmation certificate and photograph of his confirmation class.  We framed both Great Grandpa Paul's confirmation verse and Paul's confirmation verse.


Paul chose Romans 15:4 for his confirmation verse.  "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." The elder who interviewed Paul on Friday night told him that he has kept his confirmation verse close to his heart for the many years since he was confirmed.  The Lord has used that verse to minister to him many times throughout his life.  He prayed the same would be true for Paul.

When Paul knelt in front of the entire church that Sunday morning, all of his friends and family surrounding him, I was brought to tears.  It's very powerful to see all of those praying hands on your firstborn son.  What a gift.  All praise be to God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit!  What glorious things He has done!