After graduating from college, Lois left the US for another country. She was going to see that Dan was converted to Christ, no matter what.
He had dated her off and on, arriving from his home abroad to her place for a day or two's visit. He told her he loved her. She loved him. But she was a Christian. He was adamant in not being a Christian. She would see him saved. Yes, she would. It would be her mission. So she left her parents, home church and all that was familiar.
At first she had nowhere to "camp out" but at Dan's folk's home where they willingly took her in. She lived simply-jeans and a T-shirt, sandals in summer and sneakers in winter. Eventually she got a job as an accountant; that meant dressing up a bit.
Lois carefully witnessed to Dan about Christ, God's plan of salvation, showing Dan Scripture passages related to divine mercy for repented sins. He too had a college degree and so very well understood cognitively what she was kindly explaining. But his soul resisted.
This young woman was well aware that one does not force any mortal's free will into doing anything. After all, she was reared in a pastor's parsonage, being well versed in doctrine and counseling. She interceded in prayer. She lived the Christian life faithfully. She showed her genuine love to Dan with her gentleness and joy. She is one of the happiest persons an individual could ever meet.
Years passed. Fourteen, in fact. In that time, she slipped spiritually. She gradually lost her obedience to the Lord God, trying to win Dan over by joining him in his worldly pastimes. Of course her conscience told her she was growing cold in soul; but she lived in denial on that score.
"I'm pregnant," she cried over the long distance call to her family.
Lois' precious baby was born. Her family assured her that she and her newborn were loved most dearly. They meant it with all their hearts. She understood that.
In the meantime, a handsome fellow, Philip, befriended her family. He had become a Christian. Her family back home set in motion the bonding with a new believer that is needed in order to keep that disciple on track. What was most interesting about this man was that he had lost years due to living in sin. In fact, he had lost to Satan the same number of years Lois had given to hoping Dan would be saved. Philip had spent his young adult years in extreme alcoholism, drug addictions of every sort and big money drug dealing. His life was one of unbridled licentiousness.
"I don't know how I'm still alive. I should have died a hundred times over with all the drugs I put into my body-every drug imaginable," he exclaimed to believers.
Philip had committed a serious crime that put him behind bars. On the first day incarcerated he knew his life was over. Never given to wanting to find God, his heart cried out: "If there is a God, find me. My life is over. Help me!"
Philip was in his mid-thirties. Life over? For all practical purposes it was for the prison sentence awaiting him would cascade him into elder years. Scouring about his cell he located a Bible. Opening it, he devoured it. In that Book he found the Savior. Daily he carried the Bible with him on assignment to his work location. When back in the cell, he did nothing but read the Bible through. And through again.
Miraculously, Philip was released from his cell in eight months! Further, he had Operating Under the Influence charges that left him without transportation for several years. Alcohol misuse had serviced him well!
The Lord led a believer to cross Philip's path, counseling him to attend a church where a thousand-plus attended worship. "There you will find a Christian wife," the friend assured him. Philip walked to every service, carrying his Bible with him every step of the way.
He, as felon, got employment by way of a relative. Working days, he read the Bible evenings until the Book was nearly worn through. The next morning he reported again to work, then spent the evening pouring over the Word. On Sunday mornings he was found on the second pew from the sanctuary back, a huge choir right in front of him. Many gorgeous females were singing to the glory of God. Surely God had one of those women for this redeemed soul.
One Sunday evening Philip was invited to a Sunday evening Bible study in the living room of Lois' parents. A dozen were gathered. That weekend Lois had returned home for a short visit. But instead of meeting Philip, she hid in the bedroom during the study. Why? No one knew till later.
When her younger Christian sister asked her why she hid out, Lois explained that she had promised herself never to look hopefully on a man until her son was eighteen years old. Her sister convinced her that that was unreasonable guilt piled up over years.
"The next time you visit us, you will not hide in the bedroom when Philip is here. Never!" Sisters embraced, knowingly understanding one another's hearts.
Several months later Philip was again in the evening study. Lois was there as well. After the study, they went for ice cream-she driving, naturally-and two years later were married.
That was years ago. Philip, a carpenter, electrician, plumber and remarkable husband has built his wife and stepson a lovely home. In addition, he received his degree with summum bonum honors and is happily employed. They are both committed believers working enthusiastically at a nearby evangelical church.
"Do you ever have the yen to go back to alcohol or drugs?" a friend asked Philip. The answer: "Never." And time passed has surely proven that testimony to be true.
God's mercy is indeed a powerful work.
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