A few weeks ago I began an 8-week women's Bible study through McLean Bible Church-Bethesda. I had joined sort of on a whim, but God obviously had plans for me to be in this study. There are only four of us, and I am by far the youngest woman in the study, by about 25 years, but I love the opportunity I have to glean wisdom from these women who have walked so many years faithfully at Jesus' side. It is such a privilege, and a wonderful blessing.
This morning was special, because we each told brief versions of how we came to know the Lord and the journey we have been on with him. While each story was very touching, Theresa's really moved me.
Theresa is Singaporean, and has has only been in the United States during the last 7 years of her adult life. She told us of her life growing up in a culture where ancestral worship is a strongly rooted belief, and where death is a very scary idea. Death is scary, because it is believed that when you die you go to hell, and that there are different levels of hell. Depending on how much good or bad you do on earth determines which level of hell you will find yourself in. An entirely works-based religion, and one that points only to condemnation. What a dismal picture.
Theresa also told of how families are not very tight-knit in her culture and that she was caused a lot of pain in her family from her siblings and parents. This disconnect left her feeling very lonely and lost. At 17 she was searching for some meaning and purpose in life. This is where God stepped into her life in a huge way. Theresa met a Christian friend who really invested in her and brought her to all sorts of Christian events, prayed with her, and listened to her hardships. It was this friend who shared the gospel with her and explained the significance of a personal relationship with Christ.
Theresa was blown away by the thought that there was a loving Father in heaven who wanted to take care of her, love her unconditionally, bless her, and spend eternity with her. It seemed unreal to her, because she did not know what it was to have a father who loved her and wanted to provide for her, and she did not have to do anything to earn his approval or wonderful gift of salvation. As Theresa spoke of her relationship with her father and how she never knew what it was to be loved, tears leaked out of her eyes, and my heart broke for her. Even in her adulthood, and as a mother of three children, the absence of her father's love is a wound that hurts her deeply. But how much more profound and wonderful then is God's great love that he desired to lavish upon her! It makes my heart soar to hear of how deeply God moves and works in our hearts and lives!
Our God is mighty to save and bring redemption and light into the lives of every single hurting and lost person on this earth. We cannot give up hope or cease praying for the lost! I am inspired to pray all the more fervently for my sisters and parents, as they are not believers, because I have been reminded of how God's timing is perfect and his power is awe-inspiring. He can do far more than we could ever imagine, hope, or dream! Praise God!
"For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."
Luke 19:10
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20
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