TITLE: The Letter (ii) 2-24-16 By Cynthia G. Peoples 03/05/16 |
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The Letter
By: Cynthia G. Peoples
Kaitlin leaned over the bridge railing, crossed her arms, and stared down into the murky water. “I can do this,” she mumbled, “All I have to do is close my eyes and jump.”
“No,” a voice declared, “No!”
Kaitlin looked around but saw no one. She straddled the cold metal bar, “Please forgive me,” she said, “I can't go on anymore.” She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and leaned forward.
“Wait!” someone yelled, “Stop.” An old lady grabbed her around the waist and held on tightly.
“Leave me alone,” Kaitlin yelled, “Let go of me!”
“I can't. And whatever is wrong can be fixed, I promise.”
“No it can't.”
“You're wrong, young lady, please let me try to help you.” Kaitlin shook her head but allowed the lady to help her down. Together, they walked over to a picnic table and sat down on the bench. Kaitlin leaned over, placed her hands on her knees and whispered. “Why?....why did you stop
me?”
“Because God told me to.”
“Why would God tell you to do that? You don't even know me.”
“Well, that's just the way he works. He knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and then provides it.”
“You don't understand,” Kaitlin said, “God doesn't care about me.”
“Oh, yes he does my child. If not, he wouldn't have sent me to stop you from jumping and
I know how you feel. There was a time in my life I considered ended it all too. But God wrote me a letter and convinced me that there is a better way. Can I share it with you, now?” Kaitlin shrugged.
The lady reached into her handbag and pulled out a bible. “This letter was written by the apostle Paul. He wrote it to the church of Corinth to encourage people in their faith, when they were struggling with problems too, just like we do today. Do you believe in Jesus?”
“I did at one time, But I'm not so sure anymore.” Kaitlin replied, “I've prayed and prayed but nothing ever changes. And now I've made so many mistakes, I think Jesus gave up on me a long time ago.” The lady smiled.
“That's not true, hon.” she said, “That's just what Satan wants you to believe. Let me show you.” She flipped through the pages of the bible, turned to the 3rd chapter of Romans and began to read. “God tells us in this letter, that no one is righteous and all have sinned and fallen short of his glory. The wages of those sins is death, but God made a way for us when He gave us his son, Jesus. You see God loved us even while we were sinners but Jesus' death on the cross paid for all of our sins. So, there is nothing you can do or say that will change the love God has for you. It's not about what we do or don't do, it's about what God did for us a long time ago.
He goes on to tell us exactly how to accept his free gift. It says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
“Even me?” Kaitlin asked,
“Yes, Kaitlin,” she smiled, “Especially you.” She reached over and pulled Kaitlin into her arms. “He's waiting for you,” she whispered, “Just call out to him.”
Kaitlin bowed her head and began to cry. “I'm so sorry Lord,” she said, “Please forgive me and show me the way. I need you so bad!” Kaitlin felt Jesus reach down out of heaven, pat her gently on the head, then wrap her in his arms. She heard him say, “It's okay, my child, I understand. Your sins are forgiven, now go and sin no more.”
Peace filled Katlin to the very depths of her soul. She raised her head to say thank you ....but the lady was gone. Kaitlin smiled and tears of joy filled her eyes. “Thank you Jesus,” she whispered, “Thank you for the angel and for your letter. I promise I will never forget this moment as long as I live and breathe!”
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