TOM WAS a bright cheery boy, favorite with all who knew him. He was fond of music and played the piano well. But with all his good nature Tom was not happy. It might have been said of him as of the young man in the gospel, “One thing thou lackest.”
Tom was not saved. He had never come to the Saviour to have his sins forgiven so he was restless and dissatisfied. But God had His eye upon him and loved him, and in His own way was going to lead Tom to Himself. Tom’s dear Christian father often prayed for his boy, but his son became more restless until he decided he would leave home and go away where no one would speak to him about his soul or ask him if he were saved.
Across the ocean he went, far from home where he thought he would be free and happy. He tried to forget God, and seldom read his Bible. But sickness came and he was glad to stay for a little while in a Christian home where daily he heard the Bible read. It made him think of the loving Saviour he was rejecting, and he began to long for peace with God.
One evening he went to a gospel meeting where the verse was read, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” This struck Tom especially. God knows all the details of our lives. He is interested in the smallest things that can concern us and He cares for us. This was a new thought to Tom and he could not forget it. God was speaking to him.
He went home with a Christian friend who spoke to him of the love of Christ. They sat and talked until it was long past midnight. Tom could not pull himself away. He felt the Lord was seeking him and the great question had to be decided now: Which would he have, Christ or the world?
At last he said, “I’ve got to make a decision.” They both got on their knees asking the Lord’s help. What happened then is best told in Tom’s own words: “In less than two mites after being on my knees I had accepted the gracious offer of life through a crucified Saviour. I cannot say how long we were on our knees but when we arose I was resting on the finished work of Christ.”
The next morning at breakfast he told his friend, “I have found the Saviour,” and his friend added, “And the Saviour has found you.” No wonder he wrote home: “I went to work a happier fellow than ever I was before. I am proud to confess Christ as my Saviour and enjoy reading His Word.” Tom had found the secret of true happiness.
Dear reader, what the Lord did for Tom, He can do for you. “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” He loves you, He died for you. Won’t you trust Him?
ML-02/24/1974