Tim Burrows was brought up religiously, but he remained for years a stranger to peace with God. Then a noted evangelist came to hold meetings in Tim's home town. Young Tim was a student of oratory and went to hear—and criticize—this speaker. At that time this fledgling orator was preparing to compete for a valuable prize as an elocutionist; but the preacher's earnest discourse was the ever effectual "sword of the Spirit" to pierce the young man's armor.
Awakened to real concern about his precious soul's eternal well-being, the coming competition was no longer paramount to Tim. Now he remembered the many Christians who had urged him to "come to Jesus," but the way had remained dark. He was still "without Christ, having no hope, and without God in the world."
One night he went to recite some pieces before his elocution teacher who, through grace, was himself a saved man. He expressed surprise at his pupil's uninspired rendering of the selections and remarked that he was behind with his studies. The young man's answer was, "I am far more concerned about another matter."
The master discerned at once what his pupil meant, and asked him to remain for conversation. The Bible was brought, and 1 John 5:9 was read: "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son."
The teacher remarked to the young man, "Suppose I told you that something extraordinary had happened in my house this morning. Would you believe my word?"
"I would," the young man at once replied.
"Why would you believe me?"
"Because I have confidence that you would speak the truth."
"Well, you see, whatever I say would only be the witness of a poor fallible man. If you therefore would believe, without hesitation, the word or witness of man, why not believe the unerring testimony of God about His Son?"
Light broke in upon the young man's hitherto darkened spirit. He raised himself up from the arm chair where he was sitting and exclaimed, "I'll go now. The scales are falling from my eyes."
The scales of unbelief did indeed fall, for Tim has been rejoicing in the Lord ever since. Often since then has he raised his voice in testimony for Him who came into his heart in saving grace.
Now, my reader, why not you? "WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED," not by our prayers or tears, or even our feelings, however important these may be in their place. Believe; take home to yourself what God has witnessed about His Son—that He died for our sins, that He is risen and sits at God's right hand in heaven, glorified because His work is finished. Peace will then be yours. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand." Rom. 5:1, 2.