Growing up I had a fun friend named Betsy. We rode horses together, talked about Jesus together, and even got in trouble together. 😉
When Betsy was just 19, she died from a bizarre illness. Shocked with grief, those of us who loved her took comfort in the fact that she knew and loved Jesus her Savior.
Last night I had a startling dream about Betsy. I was in a public place surrounded by unhappy people. Suddenly Betsy appeared! Alive, radiant, and beaming with joy!
Beyond thrilled, I proclaimed to all, “THIS IS WHY WE NEED A SAVIOR!”
And as we hugged, I woke up.
Wow.
I just lay there stunned.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been heavy hearted for those who have no desire to know God, let alone recognize our utter need for Him and His gift of salvation. And why would a person want God if they don’t feel a need for Him? “Seeing Betsy” as she is now with the Lord in Heaven – in lasting peace and joy, and very much alive – was my wake up call.
The reason we all need a Savior is because we’re all going to die. Either in sin – without God, or forgiven – with God. Just the truth. A fact we too often ignore, deny, or replace with something that feels better.
But what if each of us could fast forward to our final breath? Would we then be interested in a relationship with God? At that moment we’d realize nothing else matters.
And what if each of us would open our hearts to receive God’s forgiveness through his Son, Jesus our Savior? (Not religion or good deeds, which can never atone for our sin.) We’d know peace and joy and hope like never before. Now, and every moment that lies ahead.
I’m so glad Betsy chose to put her faith in Jesus as her Savior way back there. Little did she know her last breath would come so soon.
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.”
1 John 5:12
