By Jan Davis
Special to The PREVIEW
“Must we discuss this topic every time I come over? For just once, let’s talk about the kids, neighbors, anything but ‘End Time’ junk.” Abby threw up her hands in aggravation. Her mother lived and breathed prophecy and was convinced of Jesus’ imminent return.
“I realize you don’t want to listen, but I love you and am concerned about your eternity.” Her mother tried to calm the tense emotions this discussion always stirred up in her only child.
“My life is in shambles right now without worrying about where I may or may not spend eternity.”
Abby jumped up and quickly grabbed the barstool before it tipped over. She slid the seat back into place at the island and crossed her arms in stubborn defiance, determined to hold her ground.
“My whole world turned upside down when David came home from a fishing trip with his buddies and announced he didn’t want to be married anymore. At least not to me.”
Her parents’ marriage resembled a fairy tale, where everyone lives happily ever after. “You have no idea the depth of betrayal someone experiences when their spouse walks out.”
“Trust me Abby, my life isn’t picture-perfect like you imagine. I’m not sure an ideal marriage is possible in this crazy, mixed-up world.” Her mom tried to soothe her daughter’s bruised identity.
“I’m tired of being David’s ex, alone and the mother of two preschoolers. Cory and Penny are precious, but I can’t do this by myself. I need help now, in the present, not in fifty years, when I die.”
Abby sat back down at her parents’ kitchen island. She rested her face on the cool granite countertop, too exhausted to argue.
“Your dad and I love to help anyway we can. But some things are out of our hands. We can’t repair the damage David caused ... but Jesus can. All you need to do is ask,” her Mom coaxed.
A deep sigh resonated from Abby as her mom’s voice began to penetrate into her weary soul like a soothing bubble bath. She began to relax. “If only matters of the heart were that straightforward.”
“All Jesus requires is a sincere heart and contrite spirit. God takes the shattered pieces of our lives and molds them into a beautiful masterpiece. His love, mercy, and peace exist today. No one needs to wait until everything is right-side-up. He takes the wreckage of divorce and builds a new life from the damaged pieces.” Her mom hesitated for a brief moment.
Abby could almost hear her mom’s silent prayer. Whenever she didn’t know the right words to say, she prayed.
Abby raised her head. “What does all this have to do with prophetic events?” She needed to distract her mom from the direction this conversation had taken. This type of back and forth left her with more questions than answers. At least prophecy didn’t require much thought or participation from Abby. A casual nod kept her mom on task.
“Everything. Someday Jesus will return. I happen to be of the persuasion his return is sooner than we care to believe. I don’t want you to miss the rapture and be stuck here to endure the horrific hardships of the tribulation period. The stage is set, the characters are about to take their position and as the events begin to unfold, the death toll will rise.”
Abby looked in time to see one single tear roll down her mom’s cheek.
Why is it every time she talks about Jesus, she cries?
“But, the greater question,” her mom paused, “is why wait to enjoy a relationship with Jesus? It’s available now. He wants to heal your broken heart. Give your life purpose and help lay out a plan for your future. One you can’t even envision.”
“Why? I don’t deserve his kindness,” Abby questioned.
“That’s the beauty of salvation. He loves you unconditionally. He never leaves or gives up on you. He longs for you to love him the same way,” Mom said in a gentle whisper.
“That easy, huh?”
“That easy.”
Abby hesitated. “OK, let’s do this. Right now, right here. Just you, me and Jesus.”
Mother and daughter held hands and bowed their heads, as Abby’s mom led her in a prayer of forgiveness and acceptance. Forgiveness for her sins. Acceptance of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as her Lord and Savior.
Because of Jesus, salvation is simple. He paid the ultimate price. His life for our sins. All he asks of us is to believe and pray.
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills…from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” — Psalms 121:1-2
I love you, but Jesus loves you more.
