A very dear friend and brother in Christ, upon finding his salvation in Christ felt the call to spread his story of testimony. His name is Al, but he never wants any recognition for the work he does for Christ so I have not used his last name in this at his request. Al is 87 years young and been a Christian over 50 years. His calling to spread the Love of Christ lead him to write down his testimony (actually type it on a typewriter) and begin to hand it out to anyone that he comes into contact with.
He has been handing out these testimonies since 1985 and any time you see him, you will find he has several dozen is his pocket at any given point in time. He has told me many stories of how these few paragraphs have planted seeds, opened up conversation, and allowed the Holy Spirit to work through him to get to those being called to service. The following is his written testimony in his words:
“These ar questions that every man has asked in his heart. Where did I come from and where am I going? I have given considerable thought to these questions many times in my life, and even more in my senior years. Because we are faced with the reality of our own mortality, we realize that life will soon come to an end. Nobody gets out of this world alive. What kind of life we live while we are on this earth depends on the choices we make. How will you be remembered by those most dear to you? By making the right choices that demonstrates your love for them. You have been created a free moral agent (with free will). You have the right under the law of man and God to make your own choices. He will not interfere with them, but you will be held accountable for every decision you make. There are always consequences for everything we do, good or bad. I have learned a long time ago we should consider or suffer those consequences when we make a wrong choice.
There came a time in my life when I was facing some tough issues. I desperately needed a change in my life, because I knew I wasn’t living right. I knew it was time to make the most important decision I would ever have to make. It came a time when I had to ask myself this question, “What about me?” I had studied the Bible to seek more knowledge about this man called Jesus who gave His life for you and me, and the whole world. I thought about the gift He offered and the cost He paid for my redemption when He went willingly to the that old rugged cross to pour out His blood for my sins. Now all that remained for me to do was to accept His sacrifice and acknowledge Him as my personal Lord and Savior.
Was this something difficult to do? Not at all. It was simple. So easy that I wondered why did I wait so long? He loved me first. And He loved me so much that He was willing to die for me. That’s what made my decision so easy.
I can remember it so clearly, as though it were yesterday. I went himbly to the alter of a small church and said this little prayer:
“Lord I know I am a sinner. You know everything I have ever done. I know you came to suffer and die to take away my sins. I ask your forgiveness for all my transgressions. Come into my heart and be my personal Lord and Savior from this day forward….In Jesus Nmae, Amen.”
When I finished this pray(er) I couldn’t even begin to explain the feeling that swept over me. I felt a peace in my soul. The kind I had never experienced before, the love of God. The love that I had always known existed was filling that void in my spirit I would never be the same again. It was that experience that keeps me in love with Jesus. I never want to go back, I know where I came from and I know where I’m going thanks to the a gracious and merciful God.
You know the greatest thing of all? Anybody who would like to know this love can receive it. The Bible tells, “Let whosoever will, come” That means everybody in this world. All you need to do is open the door to your heart and let Jesus come in to be the Lord of your life. Sound simple? It’s just that easy. Now, What about me? We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. There are no guarantees we will even see the next day. So ask yourself this question: If Jesus came back today where would I spend eternity, in Heaven or in hell? I don’t think anymore needs to be said. You have been told of God’s mercy, His grace, and His great love for you. Now it’s up to you to decide.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
Don’t worry about your sins, repent of your sins. Say the simple little prayer I did and your sins will be gone, never to be remembered again. That is God’s promise.”
Grow Stronger Roots 