I invited a friend to Bible study. She didn’t hesitate in her reply: “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe in God. If God does exist, I don’t believe I should be accountable to Him. If I’m wrong, then I’m willing to pay the consequences.”
I was dumbstruck! Never had I heard such a shocking, determined admission. Realizing her conviction was strong, I was cautious after that day, to only share bits and pieces of my faith with her. I often related answers to prayer and the good listener she was, seemed to enjoy my sharing.
I came to love Martha as a sister. Even though she left God out of her life, in other ways she seemed flawless. There were times when I even questioned God’s Word that says “all have sinned…”
Then one day Martha spoke of her parents with bitterness and anger. She said they were churchgoing hypocrites. Their lives only focused on impressing others. All she knew about God was what she saw in her parents. She wanted nothing to do with either.
I attempted to counsel her in forgiveness, but she was stubborn and unyielding.
Years later Martha still radiates goodness on the surface, but has no room for God in her life. She still harbors hatred toward her now deceased parents. Moreover her hostility has grown to include anything that honors the one true God.
I know now that God’s Word is perfect. He knows our darkened hearts as no one else can. He knows that no one is good enough to come before Him without a covering for our sin—the covering He Himself has provided through the blood of Jesus.
- The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good, not even one. Psalm 14:2-3 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
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Thank you for posting this story. It is so sad to live a whole life time without God because of bitterness one can’t let go of. If one only realizes that that is a sin worse than the one that they were so angry about.
“I know now that God’s Word is perfect. He knows our darkened hearts as no one else can. He knows that no one is good enough to come before Him without a covering for our sin—the covering He Himself has provided through the blood of Jesus.
for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23”
It’s true, Florence. We’re only hurting ourselves when we choose to focus on what’s wrong with others.
As you continue to be her friend and showing her by your faithful walk, there is hope. Only as the Holy Spirit removes the veil of hatred in her heart toward her parents and she receives the gift of repentance – then she can cry out to God and see how deceitful all our hearts are. May God grant her that gift.
Amen. Thank you Helene.
If we could only count the number of good people that have been tricked by the evil one. I’m sure if this woman had a friend that was very credible and someone tried to discredit that friend she would not accept it. My point: All because her parents misrepresented God doesn’t make Him bad. I hope someday she judges Him for Himself.
Thanks Dave. All one needs to do is open their eyes and look around at God’s creation.
How truly sad Kathleen, and such a burden on your heart and yet I know you have left her salvation with the Lord. I pray that He will turn her bitter heart of stone into a flourishing heart of love … that He will be glorified.
Thank you Liana. That is my prayer as well.
it is sad to see others deny God…..to me, it’s like having a sibling deny our parents. Sounds like she is harboring something so deep that it affects her this way…all we can do is petition God on her behalf and that leaves us feeling inadequate doesn’t it? But we know God’s ability and will is perfect, and on that we must stand.
I agree. They know not what they do. But truly we do know “God’s ability and will is perfect, and on that we must stand.” Thank you Mark at: http://plantingpotatoes.wordpress.com/
Kathleen, I was so sad after reading this story. I’ll be praying for this woman. It’s unfortunate that her parents died and she is still carrying such negative feelings.
Yes it is sad. Thank you so much for praying for her.
Yes, sadly there is no comparison between a holy and loving Father and the rest of us. It is an awesome responsibility to carry His name.
Thank you for your comment, PaperGiftsForEstefany!
Please Pray for all our Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua!! “Pray Without Ceasing.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV )!!
I Love you all Everyone through Jesus-Yeshua, because HE LOVED 💙💕 EVERYONE FIRST!!
Love 💙 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann