THE Lord had graciously blessed me with Christian parents, and from a little, child I always longed to be able to say I was one of the lambs in the Good Shepherd’s flock.
It was not, however, until I was fourteen that I had that peace which I so desired. One Lord’s Day evening I was present at a preaching, where an earnest servant of the Lord told out God’s message of a full and free salvation through faith in the finished work of Christ, and my anxiety was increased; but being very shy and reserved, I did not like to confess my soul-sorrow.
For a few days I said nothing of what 1 felt, until at last I could bear the load of sin on my heart no longer and resolved that I would not rest until the question was settled.
I was almost afraid to sleep, lest, when I awoke, I should find the Lord Jesus had come and taken His own to be with Himself forever, leaving me behind for the judgment.
I was filled with fears and anxiety, until one morning the Lord directed my attention to two verses upon art almanac on the wall: “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.” (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 Rom. 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9): “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
I knew that I did believe on the Son of God, and did in my heart believe that God had raised Jesus from the dead, and now saw that God said I had everlasting life.
In a moment the burden was gone, and all was joy and peace in believing, and from that hour to this I have not dared to doubt Him.
There are many who are, as I was, waiting for happy feelings before resting on the word of God. The Lord Jesus says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” Come without feelings; wait no longer; come as you are. Faith comes first, and happy feelings follow.
Time is short, eternity is at hand. It is still the day of grace, but tomorrow may be too late. When once the Master of the house rises up and shuts the door it will be forever too late; there will be no admittance for you then.
The Lord Jesus offers salvation now, without money and without price. Accept then His great gift, the great salvation purchased at such infinite cost.
ML 09/16/1917