On The Damascus Road/It's Time To Put Your Toys Away

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On The Damascus Road
Story Pages

It's Time To Put Your Toys Away
     "Are you scared of dying?" the chaplain asked the bedridden lady.
     "No sir, I am not. But I was scared a few years ago when I became very ill, was sent to the hospital and came close to death. I was frightened. But, my father, who died many years ago, always had a special way of saying my name, Anneke. No one else could quite say it like he did. As I lay in the room all alone on what I thought was my death bed, I heard a voice calling, 'Anneke', the same way my father called me. 'Anneke' I heard but I knew it was not my father's voice and slowly it dawned on me that it was the voice of Jesus calling me. That gave me much comfort and strength; it was not long before I was convalescing at home. I was given the grace to live. Now I am going to die but God is now giving me the grace to die. Chaplain, God called me by my name. He knows my name, Anneke."
     Having heard this true story, it occurred to me that God does know our names.
     John 10:27 says, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them (by name)." But what is more dramatic is, God wishes to give us the grace to live, and when death is imminent, He gives us the grace to die, the grace to accept death. "The grace to die?" you ask.
     A true story conveys the point. John Martin, born on June 8, 1986, was given many presents as he fought the losing battle of leukemia. He enjoyed them and would often show them to his friend Brad. Five-year-olds have little comprehension of death. Yet, he decided, just before he died, to give his treasures to Brad. Indeed, he felt God saying, "It's time, John Martin, your toys are not that important any more. Come with Me."
     The grace to live, the grace to die. God desires that we ask for forgiveness for the messed up life we created. He then invites each one of us to enjoy the grace to live when we turn our lives to Him in service and praise. But there comes a time when we will all face death and for many of us, that may be a fearful moment. Psalm 23:4 gives us the "grace to die" comfort: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for You are with me...You comfort me." I Corinthians 15 stresses the same thought. In verse 55 it makes fun of death saying, "O death, where is your victory, O death, where is your sting?" This truth is for older people like Anneke as well as for children like John Martin.
A prayer that you may wish to follow:
     God, there are times when I become fearful of death. I see it all around me, in war and in peace. You know my name and now I ask that You give me that comfort that whatever will happen to me, as I travel, as I sleep, as I work or play, You will be there comforting me. I desire this grace to live and also this grace to die. I thank You for Psalm 23. Amen.
Contributed by George Prins.
Comments and Feedback are welcome in his e-mail box.
Originally appeared on Daily Wisdom

    Jesus is standing at the door to your heart all the time. He is knocking to come in and love you and guide you. He is offering you the gift of everlasting life, but you must hear Him and open the door to Him as He will not kick it in. (Rev. 3:20) A gift is just outside your heart's door at this time. Will you receive this gift? Will you open the door to Jesus and let him flood your soul with His love? If so, read the following paragraph as your prayer.

    Father, I know that I have sinned and I turn from those ways and ask you to come into my heart and cleanse me. I know that I cannot do this on my own and I need your help. Fill my soul, Lord, and make me whole. I want your will for my life to be preeminent. Help me to grow in your way.
    Amen

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