Eternity

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men… -Ecclesiastes 3:11

She was a really strange lady. I was 18, and working in a department store. She would come into the sportswear department looking for clothing of white linen. All white. All linen. She said it was the only thing she could wear because it was what God wanted (or something like that.) I don't think she ever really tried to convert us, but something in her eyes made us feel like she thought we should join her. I remember the girl I worked with once asked me what I thought of her. I thought she was a nice enough lady. My co-worker asked me if I believed what she said was true (about God.) I remember I shrugged her off saying, "I believe *she* believes it."

I had heard of God, but certainly hadn't experienced Him personally - not that she had, either.

It's funny how things work. Little things get planted here and there, and suddenly the flood gates open. I don't think the white-linen lady had it figured out... In fact, I only just recently remembered her. She was elderly, and seemed a little out-of-it.

What is it that makes us believe? Ecclesiastes 3 says that God has planted "eternity in the hearts of men." A sense of something beyond what we can see and touch. A sense that Someone bigger than us is in charge of our universe.

Jesus became very personal to me when I was 23. My sister had been praying for me. Before that, my step-granddad had sent me a Bible (with my name on it!). Before that, my aunt had taken me to a VBS, and on it went, as the Lord was preparing my heart for a break-through.

I'm so grateful for the work He's done in me. And that He continues to do in me. I'm so grateful that on January 7, 1990, He broke through my stubbornness to reveal His love for me in a way that I could no longer deny.

More time…

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.  -Isaiah 55:6

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  -Psalm 34:18

Salvation comes from the Lord.  -Jonah 2:9

No one comes to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.  -John 6:44

Let's Pray…

Dear Lord, there are people in my life who don't know You.  I pray that You would break into their hearts and help them to see who You really are. Help me to recognize the opportunities that You give me to share what You mean to me.  Give me the courage to speak up when the time is right.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Now what?...

Who do you know who is not yet saved?  Write down the names that the Lord brings to mind.  What are some ways you can share your love for Jesus with them?  Make a list, and make an effort to watch for opportunities that the Lord presents to you.  Most of all… PRAY for them!