So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
- John 16:22 (New International Version)
While Josh McDowell was attending seminary in California, his father went Home to be with the Lord. His mother had died years earlier, but Josh was not sure of her salvation. He became depressed, thinking that she might be lost. Was she a Christian or not? The thought obsessed him. "Lord," he prayed, "somehow give me the answer so I can get back to normal. I've just got to know." It seemed like an impossible request.
Two days later, Josh drove out to the ocean. He walked to the end of a pier to be alone. There sat an old woman in a lawn chair, fishing. "Where's your home originally?" she asked.
"Michigan -- Union City," Josh replied. "Nobody's heard of it. I tell people it's a suburb of --" "Battle Creek," interrupted the woman. "I had a cousin from there. Did you know the McDowell family?"
Stunned, Josh responded, "Yes, I'm Josh McDowell!"
"I can't believe it," said the woman. "I'm a cousin to your mother."
"Do you remember anything at all about my mother's spiritual life?" asked Josh. "Why sure -- your mom and I were just girls -- teenagers -- when a tent revival came to town. It was the fourth night -- we both went forward to accept Christ."
"Praise God!" shouted Josh, startling the surrounding fishermen.
Let’s take the time to tell those close to us that we are a Christian, so when God calls us home, those left behind will have the assurance they will see us again someday.
Dear Lord we pray that we would have the opportunity to share our faith with those we love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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