God's ways of teaching and saving men are very varied and always deeply interesting. They often illustrate the truth of the scripture, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord" (Isa. 55:8).
The other day we met a Christian in whom we became much interested. He told us the story of his conversion to God, which we here record, hoping it may help some reader of Simple Testimony. He had been a prominent player for some years in one of the leading football clubs in the country, of which club be eventually became captain. This meant, of course, that he was very much mixed up with the world — a regular sportsman, and, sad to say, he was also a careless, God-forgetting, sinful man.
But he proved how unsatisfying all these things were. His success in the football field gave him no happiness, and he became very miserable and dejected, for he was learning little by little that he was far from God — a lost sinner. His wife, who was a Christian, prayed earnestly for his conversion, and God heard and answered her prayers. One Sunday night he consented to go with her to a gospel service in his native town. They arrived early, and to while away the time my friend took up a Bible lying in front of him.
The book fell open at the fifth chapter of John, and his eye rested on the twenty-fourth verse. These are the words: —
"Verily, verily, I say to you, He that hears My word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not came into condemnation; but is passed from death to life."
These wonderful words arrested his attention. He read them again, and gradually the light pierced through the g1oom, his misery gave place to relief and joy, and before even that service began he was able to turn to his wife at his side and say, "I'm a saved man." And so he was, thank God! Since that day he has witnessed for the One whose voice he had heard, and for the God who sent His beloved Son into this world to save sinners.
But you may say, "How was it possible for him to get the blessing through that verse? and how did it come about?" Such questions I am not prepared to answer. All I know is that it did come about, and he found peace and joy and salvation and everlasting life there and then through that verse.
It may be, dear reader, that you are in darkness and doubt, longing for the blessing that my friend got. Possibly the verse that was used in blessing to him will meet your need also. Look at it again and pray to God that its glorious light may dispel the thick darkness that hovers over your soul, so that you may be able to say, "I'm saved," and then give God the praise. Here are the precious words once more; read them carefully, accept them simply, for they are the imperishable words of the God who cannot lie.
"Verily, verily, I say to you, He that hears My word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation: but is passed from death to life."