Wanting Proof.
As a child I went to church every Sunday. I enjoyed Bible stories, loved Jesus, and prayed every night, until I became a teenager. Then, disillusioned with leaders, I looked at people, not Christ. I knew about Jesus, but didn’t know him
.
I never returned to church, married, and had kids. Different denominations witnessed at our door but I wouldn’t have a bar of them. My husband, Doug, listened. Friends, some Born-Again Christians, took me to services. Once, in the loo I cried my heart out. But I needed proof from someone I trusted, someone who would tell the truth about Jesus, show me that Jesus was real and here today.
We transferred from Auckland to Masterton, in New Zealand. After five months Doug became ill. The surgeon told me Doug had cancer and a few months to live, but I was not to tell him. That was the hardest thing in my life, as I watched his face light up with eagerness to start afresh.
I walked into his room one morning to see a collapsed hump on the bed. He knew.
We cried and decided to make the most of our time. He came home and his strength returned.
Then Doug told me of his amazing experience. He saw Christ, in a wonderful light, full of colours. He loved being with Him. I stated it was probably the theatre’s lights but he stated firmly, definitely not!
Soon Doug went downhill fast. The surgeon sent Doug to hospital and we knew he would never get out.
Then Doug started asking people about Jesus. A pastor, John Kirkpatrick, visited Doug and Doug’s anger, frustration and sadness left. He was at peace!
Three times he became ill, was operated on and I said goodbye in case he didn’t survive. He smiled and said, “Don’t cry, I know where I am going and I can’t wait to see Jesus again.”
On January 7th, 1983, ten months from his first operation, aged 34, he passed away. All his life he had cared about me and our girls. To the last, he thought about us.
My girls, ages 3, 5 and 8 and I went church camp a couple of months later. I was asked whether I wanted to give my heart to the Lord. I said, “I want what my husband had, he was my proof!”
So I prayed to receive the Lord Jesus. My heart sang. He has been my rock ever since. I got my proof. Jesus is real and will change your life. He gives hope and joy beyond understanding.
Odette Taylor
P.S. Odette is one of the happiest people I ever have met. Her face shines with joy all the time, even years after her Doug died and she raised her girls alone.
Geni White
Comments