A Fleeting Moment at the Cross Recalled

Early Sunday morning, while praying with friends around the cross, we received word that "John" had been killed in a car accident on I-240.  I had only met him seven days earlier.  Some of John's coworkers attend Collierville Bible Church and had been supporting him as he sought to restore his marriage.  They invited John to a church picnic a week ago and that's when he and I first met.

As we chatted, it was clear that God was at work in his heart.  I invited John to come with me to the worship center.  There we talked under the cross about his marriage and how to do the right thing.  I asked John about his salvation.  I asked him, "If you were to die tonight and stand before God, for what reason would God invite you to enter His heaven?"  He recalled when he had accepted Christ in his younger days but acknowledged that he hadn't been living for Him.  I talked with him about returning to God and about giving his life and marriage back to God.  Through tears, he confessed his desire to do that.  We prayed together beneath the cross.  After our meeting, here's what John texted to his wife:  "I have turned my life over to the lord because he can do a lot better than i can."  He was looking forward to coming to church on Sunday.

During the following week, John showed signs of being a different man.  His boss at work recalled, "his speech, posture, gait, and expression all reflected purpose and direction. He wasn't floundering in self pity and hopelessness [anymore]".  On Saturday night, John spent some time with his wife.  Perhaps he saw glimmers of hope they could get back together and build a healthy marriage.  They parted and he texted her just after midnight, "I love you."  Hours later, the policemen at the door told her John was gone.

I met John at the cross for a fleeting moment.  We will not meet there again.  But because of what was accomplished at the cross both two millenia ago and seven days ago, we will meet again.

Comments

[Randy Wellman]

I read Light-Work everyday. It's great! Also, the recent post about John really brings it home......was at the picnic last week and several of us had a chance to talk to him after Jim had prayed and ministered with him... incredible story, but true. If anyone is in need of sound scriptual advice and encouragement, Jim's the man!

[RLF]

I stand amazed at God's beautiful plan and timing. John is in God's presence now.

Thank You, Lord, for allowing John to get his life straight with You before seeing You face to face.

[Jessica Zada (John's Step-daughter)]

On behalf of our family I would like to personally thank everyone for meeting John and sharing this story with us. Especailly Pastor Jim. John wanted to turn his life over to God and I am so glad and conforted that you all were there to share it with him. Reading the blog above it gives us great confort to know that John is in great hands now! We love him and miss him greatly! Thank you all for keeping him and us in your prayers and sharing his life changing moment with him!
Jessica