DEAR children, I want to give you, as a warning, a solemn little incident that was told me recently.
Mrs. Q. was a woman who had made profession of Christianity from childhood, and her life was perhaps as consistent as that of most professing Christians. But there came a time when her Christianity was put to the test. She was taken ill, and partially lost her power of speech. A godly neighbor, who was interested in her welfare, called to see her, and asked her if she was trusting in the Lord. Her reply was “Yes.”
By the doctor’s advice. Mrs. O. was removed to sanitarium, but she grew worse instead of better. One evening, this same kind neighbor said to her, “Mrs. Q. are you fully trusting in the Saviour?” Again she said, “Yes,” That night, two friends and her husband stayed with her. Toward morning, she said to her husband, “Am I going to die?” He said, “I hope not.” She said, “I am going to die, and I’m lost. I told Mrs. A. a lie, for I said I was trusting in the Lord. I have belonged to the church since I was a child, but I’m lost! There’s a black, dark gulf before me!” Turning to her husband she said, “Pray for me.” Then, taking one of the ladies by the shoulders, she said, “Get down and pray for me.”
All this time in the strength of her agony, she spoke aloud, when, before, she was not able to speak above a whisper.
The friend to whom she appealed, quickly looked to the Lord for help, and then knelt and prayed for the sick woman.
Mrs. Q. then asked for one with whom, she had had a difficulty. She came and matters were talked over, and a reconciliation sought. Then Mrs. Q’s heart turned to the Lord. After continuing some time in prayer, she said, “I see it now; it’s all clear; the gulf’s removed.
I am saved through Christ; I am satisfied and her soul passed away to be with the Lord.
God, in great mercy, brought reality in the end. After taking her true place as lost, she was made to know salvation through Jesus Christ.
How much better if there is reality to begin with, and a walk with God during the years He leaves us here to be witnesses for Him!
ML 11/02/1902