I was told I had advanced cancer, and the doctors would try to do what they could for me without much hope of success....
Two years ago a young man, 29 years old, had a job working in a greenhouse. He was living only for this life, with no thought of God. But suddenly everything changed.
"One day, with little warning," he wrote, "I was hospitalized with severe back pain. After a number of tests I was told I had advanced cancer, and the doctors would try to do what they could for me without much hope of success.
"My first reaction was to commit suicide to avoid the suffering that awaited me. But then I began to wonder: where would I go afterward? I didn't want to end up in hell! And I doubted if I would go to heaven, since I had lived all my life only for myself.
"A friend came into my room and told me of God's love for me. That gave me hope. After his visit I asked doctors where I might go for the best treatment, and I was referred to a research hospital where I spent endless months of treatment and suffering. I felt God was not with me at all, since I prayed for the back pain to go away and got no relief.
"I knew I needed surgery to remove the tumor, and doctors also wanted to do back surgery. At last I consented to removal of the tumor but no back surgery. I told the doctors I was still praying to God to take away the pain; I only wanted to be free of pain, not even caring if I would ever walk again.
"God did more than take away my pain! He even let me walk again! Miracles are still performed, even for those who are not deserving of His grace. Now I am actively involved in helping people who are terminally ill, and sharing with them hope through Jesus Christ. And I am writing this letter to share the joy of God's grace!"
Grace! God's wonderful grace! Grace and love that we didn't deserve and couldn't earn—grace that can take any sinner and give them eternal life—eternal joy—a place in heaven forever with His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is beyond our understanding; we can only wonder—and marvel—and believe and receive.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.