After a double amputation I lay for some weeks in a hospital. One morning the nurse-in-charge inquired if I would like to be up for a short time. She stipulated that I must be back in bed by dinner time to rest before my friends came to see me, as it was visiting day.
"Yes," I replied, "I should much like to do so."
In the bed next to mine lay a very ungodly man. He openly professed that there existed nothing beyond this life for him. He believed that when he died, he would be buried like a dog. He knew well that his life was rapidly passing away, and yet he only used the name of God in oaths and curses. Seeing me up and partly dressed, he exclaimed: "No. 16, will you go to the bookcase and get me some book or other?"
I said I would, if my injured legs would carry me that far. At the same time, looking up to the Lord for strength and wisdom, I asked him what kind of book he would like. His answer was: "A good old love story—a jolly old love tale."
I began to reproach myself for having asked him what kind of book he would like. It would have been better, perhaps, had I made the choice; but I felt I could not go against my promise.
The nurse having left the ward for a few minutes, I managed to get as far as the bookcase. Then once more I looked up to God my Father for His guidance as to the book I should take back to the poor fellow. The moment I opened the bookcase door, John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) came to my mind.
"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE."
I reached for a Bible that I found in the bookcase, and opening it at John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) I gave it to the man, fully expecting to have it thrown at my head. I knew the kind of man he was, for I had spoken to him of the Word of Life before.
For some little while he seemed dumbfounded and only stared at me. I do not think I shall ever forget his expression when, at length, he ejaculated: "You are really a knockout!"
The Lord now encouraged me to say a few words, telling him that was "the truest love story" that had ever been written, or ever would be! He seemed to be greatly upset, and I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit was deeply convicting him of sin.
Within an hour I was ordered back into bed by the nurse. My part was done; God in His wondrous love had used me—one of His weakest ones, both spiritually and bodily—to give my bed-ridden neighbor "the true love story." Now it remained for the Holy Spirit to complete the work for the Lord's glory.
For the next three weeks I was not well enough to be allowed out of bed again. During this time I was cheered to see how eagerly my neighbor read the Word of God whenever awake. Often when he fell asleep the Bible would be lying open upon his chest, or be still clasped in his hands. The nurse would sometimes remove it while he slept; but as soon as he awoke, he would give the nurse no rest until she handed it back.
For another three weeks I was convalescent in a nursing home, during which time I had no word to show if my friend was resting upon Jesus as his Savior.
Back at the hospital, I crawled up into the Ward F, hoping to see the sick man. I found, however, that his bed was occupied now by another patient. The sick man I had known had died several days previously. As to how he had passed away I could learn nothing from the floor nurse, but some days later a staff nurse—a true believer in the Lord Jesus—told me that he had passed away rejoicing in the One whose Name, at one time, he had hated and blasphemed. Was not this another "brand plucked from the burning"? True it is that the goodness of God draws men to repentance, and the "good old love story" of John 3: 16 still wins their hearts and lives for Jesus.
Reader, if you have not received into your heart this "Love Story"—if you are still unprepared for eternity—go to God's Word and read of Him who loved you and gave Himself for you. May the Holy Spirit bring home the old, old story with conviction to your heart and soul.