He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. – John 8:44
As I pondered the testimonies of my son and a newly-saved elderly lady, as well as my own, I could see they were distinctly alike in one way.
My son testifies that, as a backslider, he knew that getting saved would be the best decision he could make. But he felt the reasons that prevented him from seeking salvation were too many and too big. How could he ever answer God’s call? It seemed impossible. One night, he came to a crossroads and realized he could not go any further without making a decision. He remembered it was a church night; he came and surrendered his life to the Lord. When the heavy burden of sin lifted and the peace of God flooded his heart, he felt as if he must have been healed of his back problems. That’s how wonderful it felt to have the load lifted!
The elderly lady tells how she realized she needed to give her life to the Lord, but she could not believe God would ever forgive her for all of her sins. It seemed impossible. However, her face shines as she tells of what the Lord did for her the day she did ask His forgiveness. He mercifully saved her, and she is so happy and feels close to the Lord now.
When the Lord started convicting me of sin, I was afraid He was going to come in the Rapture, and I knew I was not ready to meet Him. What a terrible fear! I knew the only remedy was to get saved, but I felt that I was in a trap; I was married in adultery. Although I prayed often about my situation, there seemed to be no way out for me. One day the Lord spoke to my heart and let me know that even while I was praying He might come. That night I, too, surrendered my life to the Lord. He replaced my fear with His incredible peace.
Each of us initially listened to the persuasive lies of the enemy, but we found that peace, joy and deliverance were just a prayer away.
Today, let’s remember that thoughts which discourage an approach to God are always from the devil, who is “a liar, and the father of it.” When we turn to God with an honest heart, He will hear and answer.