A Friend for Life

I have a friend I love dearly but does not know the Lord. Is there someone that comes to mind when you read that? We have been friends since we were five, meeting through MVGSA – Murrieta Valley Girls Softball Association. Different circumstances through the years resulted in physical separation and even ended communication, but for reasons only the Lord knows, the relationship has continued to ebb and flow. In high-school, I understood the gospel, and in college I believe I was called to Christ. Shortly after, spiritual conversations came up and were politely declined. As time passed, 8 years in fact, and I grew in my walk, I kept praying for an opportunity to share the full gospel. Last May, I sent my friend a 2-for-1 birthday and Mother’s day card, and, to my surprise, I received a very long email reply. This was the opportunity I was waiting for (reply below). While communication remains sparse, and there is no indication of a change of heart, I rest knowing God has allowed me to remain faithful to love and share the good news with her. I pray you remain faithful pursuing and praying for your loved one, because the Lord is able and worthy. I did not think a door would open, but the Lord used something so simple as a greeting card. Perhaps there is someone you can extend an olive branch to, in the name of Christ. Ask the Lord to show you how and when, and do not delay. 

 

10 May 2020,11:03PM

“My dear friend X-Y-Z,

First, let me assert how much you mean to me and how much I love you. I respect your opinion and differences and am not offended. Given what you shared, your health and past - I get it. I would probably be asking those same questions and taking similar precautions for my family. 'Opening the gates to differences' is good - it can show different perspective, reveal flaws, affirm belief, strengthen resolve and refine love and respect for others, in spite of said differences.

I did not know that is what you believe. Why is that? For how long? I thank you for sharing and opening up about what you've been feeling and afraid about. You are right, death does await us all, and it is much more glaring now for everyone. And none of us can stop it, regardless of what we believe. One key difference is how we feel, in the midst.

If you would so allow me to share, this is a sum of what I believe. Yes, I believe in God and an afterlife - heaven or hell. The first book in the bible, Genesis, explains how everything came to be and why death and sickness exist - but that was not the original design. Everything was good. Adam and Eve had one rule, and they broke it. Future death and temporary physical separation from God were two consequences. Fast forward a bit, Moses and the people are given the 10 commandments i.e. don't lie, honor your mother and father, don't steal, etc. Anyone that tries to live by them sees they cannot keep them perfectly all the time. The bible says if we break one commandment, it's like we've broken them all, and we deserve punishment. Simply, we're all toast and deserve hell, because God is perfect and just. But God always had a rescue plan. It says he loved the world so much that He sent His one and only son (Jesus Christ) so that whoever believes in Him (that he was born, died & came back to life) wouldn't perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

I could go on and on about logic, evidence, how the bible is reliable, that Jesus really did live, die and rise again and why I believe. But I cannot convince you. I cannot convince anyone. For years, I thought I was a good person. Then I thought I was a good Christian. But I really wasn't. Now that I genuinely have an intimate relationship with God, I see how blind I was and broken I am. And I see I am utterly hopeless without Him. Even knowing Him, I know I am not good enough (remember God = perfect). But I do not have to be. I share this because we've never really had this conversation. If something does happen to you, I will be unable to forgive myself for not sharing this message of hope, peace and love.

If you're right, we don't have anything to lose, and we're no different than grass or fertilizer. But if I'm right, we have eternity to gain, but our destinations will differ. Eternity is a very long time, and my prayer is that you would be sure - without a shadow of a doubt, one way or the other. While I cannot prevent death for myself or anyone around me, I can say I am calm and at peace knowing heaven awaits me and anyone who believes on the other side.

One of my favorite bible verses is hanging in my living room. It asks, "What is the price of two sparrows? One copper coin? Yet not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your father knowing. And the very hairs on your head are numbered. So do not be afraid. You are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31). God made you with a purpose, and He will never forget you. He sent His son to die for you to demonstrate His love. He came to save. That's pretty much what I believer in a nut-shell.

I cannot wait to hear the news of your delivery, and I do hope to see you again. But the bible does prophecy about things like this "in the end of days." If we are in that season, things will get worse, more frequent and there is no physical escape. Even as a believer, I am subject to this physical world. My soul, however, will be secure in God's hands. I so desire that peace and assurance for you and everyone. And I hope you know I love and desire the best for you and your family - either way. We do not have to agree, but I do want you to know.”

March 2019

April 2018