A Gambler's Conversion

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 7
 
During a mighty work of grace, a young gambler was converted. In a miserable state he had crept in unseen to a place where God's Gospel was being preached night after night. First, the arrow of conviction pierced his soul, and made him tremble as he thought of meeting God. Then, the good news of a Savior, able and willing to deliver him from the penalty and the power of sin, on whom he cast himself and was saved.
Coming out into the dark street, he remembered that, at that hour, his former associates would be playing cards in their club. His first impulse was to run past the door, but this seemed cowardice. Why not go in and tell them what God had done for his soul. Lifting up his heart to God for strength and courage, he entered the familiar door, not without a sense of fear. as he remembered how often he had stumbled out at that door drunk. Walking up to a group who sat playing cards he was asked to "take a hand," to which he answered, holding up both hands,
"No gentlemen: these hands have handled the cards a thousand times, but by the grace of God, they shall never do so again. They have a new master, and will henceforth be used alone in the service of Jesus Christ."
A great shout of derision rose at this statement, and one of the players called for "a sermon from the new parson." To this the young convert boldly answered,
"I am not here to preach a sermon, but as I have helped some of you on in the path of sin, I considered my first testimony to the saving power of the Gospel of Christ should be given in the place where I have so long served the devil."
The gamblers were struck dumb, and it is said several of them were afterwards converted.
God always blesses honest confession, and faithful testimony to His saving grace and power. If that grace has saved you, reader, spread it abroad to others.
"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Rom. 1:16.
"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." 1 Peter 4:16.