Others are Counting on Your Obedience to God!
In the early 1990s I had a part-time job as a “cashier” in Venture, a now defunct, discount-department-store chain. Becoming close friends with many workers most knew I was a Bible-believing Christian. (I’ve always had a “heart” to minister to young adults.) A special connection was made with a 19-year-old associate, Jenny, who reminded me of my deceased sister. Pam.
Jenny’s parents had divorced, so she was having a difficult time adjusting, living an aimless life. She was encouraged with God’s words: I will never leave or forsake you. Naturally, since both of us were supposed to be working, our daily conversations were brief. But Jesus said; Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. So, I tried to be obedient.
One evening we agreed to meet at the close of business, so she could pray the sinner’s prayer. I had bought her the easy-to-understand “Everyday Bible.” Sadly, that evening the managers pushed us out of the store quickly and into the dark, rainy parking lot. Although losing this chance to be obedient to God, I thought I’d give her the Bible and pray with her the next evening.
Upon entering the store, Jenny greeted me shoulder-to-shoulder with a tall girl with a domineering personality who snidely remarked; “here comes that ol’ preacher man.” (It was if Satan was taunting me with “You’re not going to reach her.”) That domineering girl’s simple comment broke our carefully-built relationship. However, I vowed to rebuild it!
Jenny didn’t return to work for several days. I heard that her grandmother had died, so she had left suddenly for the funeral in the Detroit area. (Another delay! I was now more determined to pray with her.)
The very next day I learned Jenny had gone to pick up necessities at a shopping mall. Upon entering, she dropped her keys; bent down to pick them up; and suffered a brain aneurism. She collapsed and died on the spot! She – was – dead!
I was shocked and devastated! How could this happen to such a young healthy girl? Satan had stolen her life. John 10:10 states the thief (which we know as Satan) comes to steal kill and destroy. Jesus said; I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly.
Frankly, this experience has haunted my life. Where did I go wrong? Did I miss the opportunity to be for obedience to God and pray with Jenny? I can only hope that in God’s grace, the things I had told Jenny about Jesus prompted her to accept Jesus as her Savior on her own.
When I was young the word “Hell” was a swear word, never to be mentioned. “Go to Hell” was considered the worst of all cuss words. However, today Hell has lost its meaning to most people. Flippantly, Hell is simply tossed around. We fanaticize how wonderful heaven is, but few admit how horrible Hell is. It’s what nightmares are made of – unimaginably everlasting, awful terror and torture.
Point 1: Hell was never meant for people.
It was made for the Satan (the devil) and those who followed him (the demons).
Point 2: We get to live once. For when we die – then comes the judgment!
We either get Heaven or Hell. There are no other options – No second chance – No getting our parents to bail us out of trouble again. It is final!
And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire – Rev 20:15. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all lairs shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death – Rev 20:10.
The devil who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever – Rev 20:10. And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be abhorrence to all flesh – Isaiah 66:24.
Point 3: Don’t repeat my error! Don’t be shy! Be Obedient to God.
Be obedient to God! When He puts someone in your path, tell them how much God loves them and how Jesus made restitution for every wrong they ever committed by His death. Oh, how I had wished I had invited Jenny to say this simple prayer: Dear God, in my heart I believe that Jesus truly is your Son; that He died for my sins’ and rose from the dead. I turn away from everything I have done wrong. I accept Jesus into my life right now, to lead and guide me as my Lord. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
Before we die, let’s tell as many as possible that God loves them and STILL has a wonderful plan for their lives. Jesus died for everyone. All they need to do is accept His free gift of forgiveness by believing and trusting in Him.
(P.S. Whatever happened to the Bible bought for Jenny? It was given to a supervisor, Rochelle, who was struggling in a relationship with her boyfriend. Both got saved, married and moved to Dallas-Ft. Worth, have 2 children and are serving God with all their heart!)
