Changed Lives
Part Six
(A little early. :) The last part will be posted tomorrow, and stand alone stories and other posts will commence again from Monday, God willing.)
Eli's heart felt a great deal lighter as he entered the Chapel. He was no longer bound to the legalistic church he'd attended for so many years. Perhaps now, he would finally be able to settle down. That is, once he'd spoken to Pastor Roberts. He felt the need to be part of a church, and something about the Chapel felt right.
After the service, Eli shook hands with the pastor. The man's friendly handshake put him at his ease. "Pastor, I'd like to become a member here. You see, I've left Mount Sinai officially. Now I need a new church home."
"Have a seat, Eli." Pastor Roberts gestured to a pew. "It always makes me happy when people say they need a church home. If there's one thing people need apart from sound Biblical teaching, it's fellowship. I need to ask you a question before I can welcome you as a member though Eli."
Eli nodded. "Sure. Ask anything you like Pastor."
Pastor Roberts looked Eli in the eye. "Eli, I know that you've been searching. You've asked me a fair number of questions." He chuckled. "But I need to know, have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour yet? Have you been born again?"
Eli looked at his feet, unable to meet the pastor's gaze. "No...not yet, Pastor. I want to. But I've been struggling with how simple it sounds. I keep thinking there should be something more I need to do."
"Like join a church? Or do good deeds?" Pastor Roberts' eyes were kind.
"Don't they matter?" Eli's voice rose slightly.
"Of course they do. Otherwise I wouldn't be here. But they can't save you. Salvation is a free gift that cannot be earned, Eli. Jesus is offering it to you. The question is, will you receive it?"
***
Eli felt grateful for the quiet drive home to the farm. He needed time to think, and to pray. It was decision time. Once home, he went from pen to pen, checking on all his animals. Next, he walked over to the chicken tractors. All was well. His farm was peacefully going about its business, but his own heart was not at rest. He strode across the nearest pasture, then down to the fields at the extremity of his property. All the while he prayed and cried out to God. At last, he came to a standstill in one of the feed stores then fell to his knees. His struggle came to an end as he surrendered his life to Jesus.
***
That evening, Eli was first to arrive at the Chapel after the Pastor. His face shone as he shared his testimony for the first time. Pastor Roberts beamed from ear to ear and hugged him right there on the steps of the Chapel. "Welcome, brother. Welcome to the family. Now how about giving your testimony this evening?"
Gretchen's eyes widened in surprise as Eli went forward after worship. As he spoke simply and honestly about his conversion, she couldn't keep the tears from trickling down her cheeks. She fumbled in her bag for a tissue, and noticed Wren dabbing at her own eyes.
"I was trying to save myself. Now I know that I needed Jesus to save me. Nothing and no one else could."
Gretchen bowed her head and thanked God for His great salvation. And for answered prayer.
***
Copyright: Alison Lawrence. 2023. All rights reserved.
Changed Lives is a work of fiction and no resemblance to any persons or places is intended.
Drawing by the author
Changed Lives Part Five:
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Love and blessings,
Alison
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