All Saints Day (2)

Ephesians 1 : 7

For by the sacrificial death of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, which he gave to us in such large measure.

For a number of years after my mother passed on, I was never sure of her salvation. When she was very ill with terminal cancer, she was visited by Christian friends who prayed with her. I know that all through her life she was resistant to the Christian faith, mainly because she found that many Christians were friendly for the ulterior motive of 'converting' her. I think this is an important caution for Christians! It is easy to see people as 'potential' converts rather than just to love them with the love we have received from the Lord. And then, very likely, the Lord will open the way for the sharing of our faith. Well, thankfully, I was told that my mother did finally agree in prayer to receive our Lord Jesus. However, because of family circumstances and her failing health, that 'faith' never had a chance to be expressed openly. Even her funeral rites were carried out according to the Buddhist tradition.

So for some years I was hesitant to fully trust that mum was taken home to be with the Lord. Well, from time to time, I would ask the Lord to assure me of her salvation. And he graciously did, one day, when I 'heard' the words 'she is free'. And I felt deep within me a conviction that it was the Lord's loving assurance. That 'voice' certainly did not come from my own doubting mind.

Indeed, how great is the grace of God, which he repeatedly gives to us in great measure!!