Many really desire to know Jesus as their Savior, but find it hard to realize that the work is finished without any help from themselves. This true story illustrates how a poor woman learned this important lesson.
Betty was poor, very poor. She was sick, and confined to her bed as well. (Sickness is a great trial, and a still greater one when poverty comes with it.)
But Betty carried an even heavier burden. She was filled with doubts and fears about her soul's salvation. She had heard over and over again that Christ had died on the cross, and that He had borne the punishment for her.
She believed, but still, her mind was dark and sad when she thought of the future. She felt a distance between her and a holy God. Mrs. Pax, a kind friend, often visited her. Again and again, she sought to put the simple plan of salvation before her, showing that when Christ died on the cross, He finished the work, paid the debt in full, and, "being justified by faith, we have peace with God." But no matter how simply the truth was put before her, she found no relief.
One day as Mrs. Pax entered, she found Betty in great distress. She had pulled the sheet over her head, and was sobbing violently, just as if her heart would break; the very bed shook under her.
"Dear Betty," said Mrs. Pax, "what has happened to make you so unhappy?"
"Oh, Mrs. Pax, I can't pay my rent, and the landlord is going to take my bed from under me. I shall die! I shall die!"
Her distress was so great and all that her friend could say seemed useless. She had not a cent, and the debt must be paid, or her bed taken.
Just at this moment they heard a violent knock on the door. This brought on a fresh outbreak of grief.
"There they are! There they are!" she cried.
Deeply touched at her sorrow, Mrs. Pax descended the stairs softly, and found the two men at the door, expecting to take the furniture.
"Well," she said, after they had explained their errand, "you know this poor woman cannot pay her rent."
"Of course, ma'am, but we can't help that. If she has not the money we must take the furniture."
"But it is terribly cruel; she is dying!"
"Ma'am, that is not our business; we must have the money or the furniture."
"Well, tell me, how much it is."
The men told her, and taking the money from her purse, she said: "Give me the change and a receipt."
This they did, and Mrs. Pax put the receipt between the pages of her Bible, and went upstairs to reassure Betty that all was settled as to her bed, not realizing that God was going to use this act of kindness for a far greater blessing to the troubled soul of this poor woman.
She found her in despair, expecting every moment to be pulled out of bed, and laid on the floor. Her friend sat down by her, saying quickly, "Betty, don't worry!"
"But, I must worry. I shall die!"
"But the debt is paid, Betty." The poor woman threw the sheet off her face, and looked round in wonder. What had she heard? She could not believe her ears.
Mrs. Pax repeated again those comforting words, "I assure you, Betty, you don't need to worry any more. The debt is paid," and opening her Bible, she showed her the receipt, saying, "Here, Betty, this is the receipt. Read it for yourself and be convinced!"
The poor old woman slowly read it as well as she could. Suddenly, a very happy expression came into her face, and the sadness was gone. Her expression was bright, as if the cloud was lifted. She raised her hands and cried, "I understand! I understand! Jesus has paid my debt of sin."
And, now, do you understand? Do you know Him of whom it is said, "Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins"? Do you think He needs any of your help? Did He not say, "Come unto Me,"?