You are reading a story already in progress. Please go back and read parts 1-3, if you have not already done so. Enjoy….
THE DECISION
The afternoon in the park seemed like it happened years ago instead of just weeks. Lyda did not see the boy again after that day, but the conversation weighed heavily on her mind. She had a hard time accepting that she was not good enough for Heaven.
“Who does He think He is?” she found herself asking over and over. “I know I’m not perfect! Who is? I’m certainly not THAT BAD! Sure, I have made mistakes. Not all my decisions have been great…so?”
And the days went on. Lyda felt as though a fog had come over her. Her life had been so effortless; until this boy showed up and made her question everything. Even visiting her favorite spot at the creek could not bring clarity.
She began asking her friends questions that she hoped would not reveal too much about her seeking soul.
Some answered by saying, “There is no God - or Heaven. This life is it, baby! Live it up while you can!”
Others told her the universe provides all answers and that if she was lacking anything she just had to imagine herself receiving it and it would happen.
Some told her about a “one true God” and his son Jesus. Apparently, Jesus was God and man all at the same time and suffered a brutal death to save all that would receive him. Then they invited her to youth group.
On and on the answers came. It seemed nobody really knew what they believed and most had a hard time talking about it. Especially the group that called themselves Christians and believed in Jesus.
So it was that night - walking home in the dark from the creek that Lyda decided…nothing.
FOUR MONTHS LATER
“This is the BEST graduation party ever!!!!” she yelled.
“Thanks, ” replied Lyda.
Lyda was glad her friends were having fun, but the tension caused by having her mom and dad in the same room was about to make her scream! She decided to walk out to the back patio to get some fresh air, when she saw Him. There He was, leaning against the tree in the backyard, wearing that same confident grin He always seemed to have.
Lyda wasn’t sure what to do, but deep down she was so happy to see Him. She slowly walked toward Him.
He gave her an envelope and said, “Congratulations on your graduation. I’ll be here anytime you need me.”
Lyda took the envelope and by the time she looked up to say something, He was gone. Inside the envelope was a letter that said this:
The word that saves is right here, as near as the tongue in your mouth, as close as the heart in your chest. It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. Say the welcoming words to God - “Jesus is my Master” -that’s it. You’re not doing anything, you’re simply calling out to God, trusting Him to do it for you. That’s salvation - No one who trusts God like this - heart and soul - will ever regret it! Everyone who calls, “Help God!” gets help.
But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anybody going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it?
- Romans 10
