From my early childhood I was taught by my Christian parents to "say my prayers" night and morning, but I knew nothing of the saving grace of God, and only looked upon prayer as a duty.
When I was about eight years old my father died, leaving us with no home. My mother had to go out to work, and I was sent to her sister's. There I found a very different home from the one I had known. My aunt's friends were worldly, and I soon began to follow in their footsteps.
At times, deep in my heart, I longed for the old days when Christ was honored. I saw Christian people so happy in the Lord; but I could not find true happiness however hard I tried.
My mother was much concerned about me, and grieved because I seemed indifferent about the welfare of my soul. Many were the prayers that I knew she offered up on my behalf. I thank God for them, and that in His own good time He has seen fit to answer those prayers.
It happened thus: I met and became greatly attached to a young girl of about my own age. She often spoke to me about the Lord and explained portions from the Bible. In this way the instruction of early days was graciously revived in my heart.
However I could not believe how simple a thing is salvation. I thought I must do much good, and make myself very different, before God would pardon me. I could not see the meaning of the words of the Lord Jesus when upon the cross He said: "It is finished." John 19:3030When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30). Nor did I understand that He had done all the work His Father gave Him to do; that therefore there was nothing for me to do but to accept with humility and thanksgiving the full salvation of God.
One day, while expressing these doubts to my friend, she asked me if I believed God's Word. I replied, "Certainly." She then quoted the Lord's own words: "He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:4747Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6:47). She pleaded earnestly, stressing the fact that Jesus is God, and that I must believe Him to be saved. Then I learned that at that moment I belonged either to the saved or to the lost.
During that conversation the Holy Spirit opened my heart and revealed the truth so plainly to me that I cried: "Then, thank God, I am saved. Through the shed blood of Jesus my sins are washed away.”
Deep peace flooded my soul, the lasting peace of God which passeth understanding.
Dear struggling soul, take God at His word, and He will save you too.