Near the end of World War 1 an epidemic of the most virulent form of 'flu was raging. In a small town, among the many who contracted the disease was a young man, young in years, but old and dissolute in the wild ways of sin. He was taken to a hospital and rapidly grew worse. Indeed, so fast did the dread disease do its work that within a brief time all hope was gone. Soon he was pronounced dead, and a sheet was thrown over him.
But God's ways are strange. He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." In His mercy, life returned to the young man. He revived sufficiently that the gospel might be presented to him; but he made no response.
In His love and long-suffering, God permitted another day to pass before the young man again appeared to be lifeless. A sheet was thrown over him again and he was left apparently dead, physically and spiritually. But oh, the lovingkindness of God! How He must have yearned over that poor lost soul! Indeed, He had marked him out as a trophy of His grace, for again death loosed its bands and the young man revived.
Once more, the gospel of God's love in Christ was put before him faithfully. This time he accepted it. Realizing his extremity, and that his earthly journey was nearly over, he sent for all his old companions. Urgently he told them what had happened to him, and how God had had mercy on him, even though twice left for dead. He earnestly pleaded with them to turn from their evil ways and to receive the Savior. Shortly after, exhausted, he again relapsed; and this time the weary body was dead, but his soul was eternally saved.
When the Christian who had put the gospel before this young man heard that he was near death for the third time, he hastened to the hospital for a final word. At the door the matron met him. "Too late," she said; but quickly she added, "Percy is in glory. I have never in all my experience been at such a happy death bed.”
How great was God's goodness to that young man! Oh, dear reader, profit NOW by His mercy. Do not use His long-suffering as an excuse for your delay. God doesn't promise you a tomorrow.
“Tomorrow's sun may never rise
To bless thy long-deluded sight;
This is the time! Oh then be wise;