FOLLOWING THE SON

Promises

PHOTO AND WRITING BY MICHELE HUGHES

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was holding my nose, submerged in water. And then, suddenly, I was pulled up out of the water. I was baptized! I truly felt like my sins were washed away, and I was a new creature. The weight of the world was left behind, and an overwhelming sense of peace came over me. Romans 6:4 says, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (NIV)

My husband and I have the privilege of leading groups at our church, and periodically, they offer baptisms. We have the blessing of living near the ocean, baptisms take place at the beach. But this particular Sunday, several big pools—tanks, really—were set up outside for baptisms after church. We were so excited because several of our people were getting baptized. Matthew 28:19-20 says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV)

It rained on and off during the baptisms. At one point, I turned and stepped under a tent. That’s when I saw it. A beautiful rainbow!

I love God’s timing! What a wonderful reminder of God’s goodness and His promises.

Baptisms are an outward display of our sins being washed away and the Holy Spirit flooding our souls. We rise anew in Christ Jesus. We read from Genesis to Revelation all of God’s promises, and we can be sure He will never leave us or forsake us. The rainbow is an arc symbolizing God’s protection, a sign of the covenant between God and man. He doesn’t promise that the storms will not come. He promises He will be with us through the storm.

The next time you see a rainbow, stop. Look up. Remember what the arc means. Praise Him for His promises and protection. Do you recall childhood visions of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? There is no greater treasure than the One who awaits those who make it to “the other side.”

Michele Hughes, a #1 best selling author, resides in Jupiter, Florida, with her husband. They own and operate GoLifeSavers.com where Michele has taught CPR classes since 2011 as the lead instructor. Michele holds a master’s degree in education and serves on the leadership team in Women World Leaders. She loves the Son/ sun, family, paddle boarding, travel, and encouraging others.