| Author |
Message |
Marcell
Registered user
Username: Marcell
Post Number: 76
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 3:28 pm: |     |
A while back I posted about an exchange of letters between myself and a older SDA relative, (I refused his offer of an SDA book, explained that I am not SDA and why, got a letter in return that basically said I was not 'converted', I returned an apology that I had spoken my heart to him without his permission)
This week I recieved a kind note from him, saying, among other things, that the Lord wasn't through refining any of us, and asked forgiveness if he sounded judgemental. There was some alusion to the fact that I had such a hard childhood - etc. (perhaps thinking THAT might be why I left the church??) Anyway, it was encouraging - this man has always seemed like a truly loving and Christlike person to me until this exchange happened. This restored my faith that indeed GOD is still working on every single person stuck in any false belief system. After all, what is most important is that he accepts Jesus and seeks to follow Him - I'm trusting God for the rest. I know the battle isn't over by any means, and that there will be more dissapointments, but praise God for this step!! |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 2956
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 7:18 pm: | |
Marcell, that was a gracious move on his part. Praise God for His care for you and His work in your relative.
Colleen |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 2032
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - 8:03 pm: | |
Marcell,
When I see how God works on people to turn them to Him, I an constantly amazed. Each person is treated exactly as they need to be treated. After all, God knows what works best for each individual.
He is so awesome.
Diana |
Jwd
Registered user
Username: Jwd
Post Number: 149
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 9:19 am: | |
Diana, That is a truth/fact often overlooked whenever we think of the attributes of FATHER.
We have a daughter and it appears "all" of our relatives, who are unregenerate or backslidden so far and for so long it's easier to think of them as having never known the Lord; and I find myself often, feeling such a burden and knowing these individuals - laying out to God what I think is needed and what I wish God's Spirit would do to and for them; and then I think the thought you expressed. God knows like no other human on earth could know. Commit them to God in faith and prayer, pray earnestly for their salvation, but then let God be God in determining what He knows is needed to create what I call - that "click." That mysterious moment when something happens that God sees is genuine, and they "turn". I call it a "click."
It happens with people struggling with addictions, with weight loss, exercise, cleaning house. Know what I'm referring to? We can tell ourselves to do certain things, even plan on doing it, but nothing happens untill this mysterious "click" occurs, and then responsibility, desire and will are suddently put into action.
Anyway, that's going around "Robin's barn" a few times to say, I agree with your conclusion regarding God knowing and working for the best of each individual.
Wishing you a blessed, joyous Giving Thanks Day.
Jess |
Jwd
Registered user
Username: Jwd
Post Number: 150
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 9:24 am: | |
Marcell,
I agree with Colleen's statement. My wife and I have yet to receive any such response from any of our Adventist friends and relatives. This speaks well of your relative. It is evidence that the Spirit of Christ IS alive in their heart and working. Let us pray that they will be led by that same Spirit, to inquire into the Truth as it is in Jesus and be drawn to inquire as did Pilate, only to not stop there, but persevere until they are swept into the joyous playground of Christ's freedom.
Keep sharing Jesus, talk Jesus, show Jesus, for it is by holding Him up that others are drawn toward the Living Light.
Jess |
|
