Santra was a young woman who had never heard of the wonderful plan of salvation. She married and it appeared as though life would continue for her even as it did for many village girls. As time went on, there was not always sufficient in the home to provide for their family. When her husband began to drink alcohol, life became harder. Santra’s children did not have enough to eat. This hurt her deeply! Being desperate, she started to practice prostitution to feed her children.
Missionaries came to her part of the country. They told her about the plan of salvation God brought into the world. He sent His Son Jesus to die for everyone’s sin. She wondered, “Even for me when I have lived such a life of sin?” In faith she gave her life to Jesus and accepted His blood as a covering for her many sins. He forgave her and washed her heart clean. Now she came to worship with fellow Christians and became a loving mother to her children. She sold vegetables at the market. Even though it was not so much, God blessed her with food for her family. Her husband did not make the same choice and it was a hard life for her.
After some time Santra began to notice that she did not feel well. Even after many visits to the doctor her illness worsened. She began to realize that her life of sin had taken its toll. There was no cure for her dreaded disease. She became weaker. It was hard for her to accept that she would die. She would need to leave her children behind. She wondered who would care for them. As she talked to Jesus, her dearest friend, He gave her a peace in her heart. She would often speak about it when the missionaries came to visit her. What a difference from the awful fear that others usually felt when they were struck with this same illness. Even though her body was in pain, her heart and mind could be at rest. One day she died, and her Friend, Jesus, took her to the wonderful place He has prepared for all those who love Him.
Maybe you are one of the many people in this world who are suffering from an illness or injury that leaves you weak and in much pain. Even if it is caused by your sinful living, there is hope for you because God loves you. He knew you from the day you were born.
God’s love to us is clearly shown by Jesus dying on the cross. As He hung there between two thieves, one thief died while mocking Jesus. The other turned to Jesus in faith and pled for mercy. He died and went to Heaven to be with Jesus forever.
The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” People want their own way and to do the things that please themselves. You may have done things like fornication, getting drunk, fighting, or stealing. Such sinful living cannot enter heaven. Maybe you have been serving other gods or evil traditions taught by others. This kind of life brings much fear—fear of curses being put on you or fear of someone finding out about your life. God is righteous. He will judge your sin. He has made a place of eternal punishment called hell for those who do not serve Him.
Jesus did not come to condemn us but to save us from the punishment for our sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Are you sorry for the life you have lived? God loves you so much that He said all those who are truly sorry for their sins and confess and forsake them could go to heaven where He is. That is why He sent His only Son Jesus into this sinful world. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
When sickness comes someone might tell you to go to the witch doctor and that he will heal you. That is not the answer. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Pray earnestly to Him.
If you find today that your body is sick, do not despair but look to God in faith. You desire to be healed and God can do this if it is within His will. James 5:14 teaches to ask the elders of the church to come and pray for you. You can ask the missionary or another Christian whom you know. If God doesn’t heal you, still keep your faith in Him. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). If your sins are forgiven and you are ready to meet Him, you can face death with peace in your heart. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” You can look forward to the beautiful place which God has prepared for all those who love Him. Oh the joy that awaits you there! “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
Your family and friends will see this quiet joy Jesus gives. They will also be drawn to this great God. May God bless you with this peace.