The hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. (Titus 1:2)
I was getting ready for bed when the phone rang. When I picked up the receiver, I heard an excited voice, “Pastor Jim, Mike here. God just used me and my wife to lead someone to Jesus Christ! Sarah prayed the sinner’s prayer. She understands what she has done, and she wants to be baptized! Would you be willing to baptize her?”
“Yes, Mike, I’d be happy to!”
The next day Mike and I went to visit Sarah. After we entered her house, her son escorted us into Sarah’s bedroom, since Sarah was in her eighties and bedridden. The chance of her ever attending our church was slim. So why was it important to witness to her and then baptize her? God loved Sarah and sent his Son to die for her so that her sins could be forgiven and she could receive God's gift of eternal life. Although she would never be able to attend our church, I still rejoiced because Sarah was ready to meet Jesus!
Her words to us as we were leaving—“Thank you for the hope I now have in Jesus. I am now ready for heaven.” Just a few days later Sarah passed away, and it was wonderful to know that she was prepared to enter eternal life.
Thank God for the hope of heaven!
Jim “Umf” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books including Unholiness: Overcoming the Forces That Attack Your Soul (WPH).
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
