by Jim Zaleski
1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
Cancer. It was a word I never had to deal with. And now it was active in my dad who was given six months to live. My mom had accepted Christ just before her death, twelve short months prior to this news, but my dad was not a believer in Christ. I was scared to death; I was about to lose my best friend. As I visited Dad during his many hospital stays, I had found the courage to mention salvation many times, but it fell on deaf ears. No response. My current pastor was also making daily visits with Dad. “Brother John, we have to talk,” would be his daily opener.
In 1982, I had all but given up on Dad’s salvation until that Thanksgiving night in the emergency room. He reached over and placed his hand on my shoulder. “What’s the matter, Pop?” I asked. He replied, “You know, Charlie has been coming up to see me and you don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’m going to go see Mom. I know Jesus now.”
Praise God! My dad went into the arms of Jesus on December 2, 1982. I praise God for His victory over death and the power of His salvation. It is His power that kept me believing. His grace and mercy had saved my dad.
Prayer: Whenever I think that something is impossible, help me to remember that all things are possible with You, God.
"I know Jesus now." Wow. Those are about the best words we can hear. So important to share Jesus with all those around us. But knowing that, there are still missed opportunities. Many times I have kicked myself later wishing I would have answered differently, or listened longer instead of rushing off. When words aren't spoken, the way you live your life becomes a powerful example for those around us to see. Praise God, He can and will use what we give Him!
ReplyDeleteDear Jim:
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. That is so incredible about your Dad.
Jim, You and Merva have been through so much, yet, I have witnessed you give God the glory in all things. You two touch so many lives around you. It is awesome to observe how you treat everyone with love and kindness, even when you're in the middle of your own battles. I just wanted you to know that I notice and appreciate you both so much.
Very truly,
Heidi
I see 4 evidence of God's power in this awesome life story: God's power to forgive sins, God's power to change a life, God's power to conquer the grave and God's power to be a wittness. Thank you Jim for sharing this amazing experience. I pray that the we all radiate God's power with these kind of results!
ReplyDeleteThank you God that you make all things possible. Help me to really see and understand that fully.
ReplyDeletePraise God Jim!