IT WAS while visiting in the city A hospital that I first met Gertrude, the young lady I wish to tell you about in this story. She had come from Finland, and could not speak English very well. However, in broken English she did say, “Me die; me afraid of God.” She could not read English, but I noticed on the table beside her bed a copy of the New Testament in Finnish. Taking it up, I found the chapters and verses I wished to show her, and as I pointed them out she read them slowly. Finally I turned to John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24), and she read those precious words of the long Saviour: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, HATH everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
For a while she pondered those wonderful words of life and then, laying her head back on her pillow she said, “Me not afraid.”
Dear young friends, the precious love of Jesus had won another heart for Himself; His love had cast out all her fear, for “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” 1 John 4:1818There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18).
When I called on her a week later she said, “Me write to my mother in Finland and tell her about it.”
How good it was to hear her say this, for I believe it was proof that she had trusted the Saviour, and was ready to meet God.
How is it with you, dear reader? Have you told someone the good news that you have trusted the Saviour? If not, He waits now to save you. Time is short; He may come at any moment. Be wise, and neglect not this great salvation.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today and you will be able to say by His grace, “I am not afraid.”
ML-02/16/1969