30 years ago today my status changed – utterly. On the 7th of November 1983 I knelt beside my bed, prayed, and surrendered my life to the love of Jesus Christ. That day everything changed. Today it remains changed. Existential rest and peace rose up in my soul, and it has never left.
Within 48 hours of that decision, He had shown me how real He was. It was a night when I spoke to my fellow school students at Takapuna Grammar. I spoke of our land and the song we sing together – God of nations at thy feet, in the bonds of love we meet. I encouraged them to unwrap the true Gift of the coming Christmas. The sound system failed in the school hall that night. Yet we all heard His Spirit calling us loud and clear. It was a special night, and I am not the only one who hasn’t forgotten it. But that was just the beginning….
Since then there have been many special nights. And many difficult ones too. Some long and fearful. But He has never failed me. His faithfulness is treasure. I love Him still. He has blessed me beyond measure – the most loving and faithful wife, four boys of whom I could not be prouder, family and friends whom I am privileged to know and have in my life.
As the years go on I see more clearly the bright mountain of His coming kingdom looming over all our present shadowy realities. And as Christmas draws near again, I hear even louder the songs we shall sing together,
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulder,and his name will be called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore.
Ewen McQueen
7th November 2013
RenewNZ 