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If Only for a Moment - February 18, 2006
"Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment." Matthew 9:22 (NIV)
I have the great privilege of driving into work many mornings with the sunrise breaking before me. This past week, a most beautiful winter sunrise was unfolding and for a moment, the sky was ablaze with colors so rich that it was just breathtaking. As I drove on, the deep reign of color lasted only for a moment, and soon it turned into an ordinary day of blue skies and puffy white clouds.
As I thought about that instance when the sky was filled with amazing beauty and warmth, my thoughts turned toward those we love dearly who do not know God or Jesus Christ personally. If only for a moment, like that spectacular sunrise, those unbelieving souls could change places with someone who has experienced the joy of knowing Jesus or the ultimate sacrifice He gave just for them, how different their prospective would be.
If only they could feel joy beyond measure or unconditional love from a heavenly Father who adores them and never turns His back. Oh, that they could know the inexpressible feeling of hope in all things, and the assurance of knowing that when they take their last breath, they would be ushered into a place of complete peace, free from tears and sorrow. When they read the Scriptures, that the words would come alive and perhaps a special one would be carved in their hearts forever. How wonderful it would be, if only for a moment, they could know the One true and living God.
On the other hand, I thought back to the time before I accepted Jesus as my Savior. For only for a moment, I was once again walking in darkness, tied to the bitter and horrendous things of this world. I was living without hope and discouraged about every little thing that crossed my path. How lonely I was, separated from God, and how hard it was to wake each day without hope or the courage to take the first step. I was living without a purpose and constantly asking, "why am I here?"
But, thankfully, that moment has passed and we can rejoice in the knowledge that we walk with God every single day. He calls upon each one of us to be a bold witnesses of His love and grace. He wants us to be confident that we can share with others the special moments in our lives and encourage them to know the One true and living God. And, it only takes a moment!
Contributed by Diane Check
"Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment." Matthew 9:22 (NIV)
I have the great privilege of driving into work many mornings with the sunrise breaking before me. This past week, a most beautiful winter sunrise was unfolding and for a moment, the sky was ablaze with colors so rich that it was just breathtaking. As I drove on, the deep reign of color lasted only for a moment, and soon it turned into an ordinary day of blue skies and puffy white clouds.
As I thought about that instance when the sky was filled with amazing beauty and warmth, my thoughts turned toward those we love dearly who do not know God or Jesus Christ personally. If only for a moment, like that spectacular sunrise, those unbelieving souls could change places with someone who has experienced the joy of knowing Jesus or the ultimate sacrifice He gave just for them, how different their prospective would be.
If only they could feel joy beyond measure or unconditional love from a heavenly Father who adores them and never turns His back. Oh, that they could know the inexpressible feeling of hope in all things, and the assurance of knowing that when they take their last breath, they would be ushered into a place of complete peace, free from tears and sorrow. When they read the Scriptures, that the words would come alive and perhaps a special one would be carved in their hearts forever. How wonderful it would be, if only for a moment, they could know the One true and living God.
On the other hand, I thought back to the time before I accepted Jesus as my Savior. For only for a moment, I was once again walking in darkness, tied to the bitter and horrendous things of this world. I was living without hope and discouraged about every little thing that crossed my path. How lonely I was, separated from God, and how hard it was to wake each day without hope or the courage to take the first step. I was living without a purpose and constantly asking, "why am I here?"
But, thankfully, that moment has passed and we can rejoice in the knowledge that we walk with God every single day. He calls upon each one of us to be a bold witnesses of His love and grace. He wants us to be confident that we can share with others the special moments in our lives and encourage them to know the One true and living God. And, it only takes a moment!
Contributed by Diane Check
