In Christ alone

Mr. and Mrs. Rose stopped by for a visit. 

I really didn't have the time. I was too busy writing a Hope for the Holidays article.  So, I hoped they'd leave soon. 

But, there they were. And here is what Mr. Rose said.

“I only made one promise to God.” He held up one finger and waved it back and forth.

I waited.

“The Lord told me to talk to someone...I didn’t even know the guy. But I just knew He wanted me to tell that man about Him.” He shook his head, looked at me and then the floor. “He told me twice, actually…”

I nodded.

“But, I told myself, ‘Don’t do that. Don’t say anything. He’ll laugh at you. He’ll make fun of you. Don’t make a fool of yourself.’ So, I didn't say anything.”

He paused and pulled in a real slow deep breath.“The next day, the very next day—” he cleared his throat and looked out the window. When he looked back his eyes were shiny “—that man died.”

I closed my eyes. Remembered the day, I'd done the same.  

His voice cracked when he said, “I made God a promise that day.” He wiped his eyes. “I promised God, that if He’d forgive me. If He’d give me another chance, I’d never miss another opportunity. I’d be ready in season and out to give an answer for the hope that is within me.”

I smiled, but it was a sad kind of smile.

He pointed at me. “But let me tell you what brother. I'm seventy-seven years old now. It's been over twenty-five years since I made that promise. God is faithful. Now, I can't count how many times the Lord has allowed me to share that hope and lead people to Christ.” His smile lit up the room.

It was then and there I knew what God wanted me to share.

My Hope for the holidays is: In Christ alone my hope is found [tweet this]. 

This post is a part of a community link up. Please go here and be filled with hope: #OneWordAdvent at http://www.faithbarista.com/

In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song;

this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,

firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My Comforter, my All in All,

here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe!

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones he came to save:

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied -

For every sin on Him was laid;

Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine -

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath.

Jesus commands my destiny.

No power of hell, no scheme of man,

Can ever pluck me from His hand;

Till He returns or calls me home,

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

~

How can ipray4u@SpurlingSilver.com

Doug