WHO CAN TELL?

WHO CAN TELL?

William Andrew Dillard
Parson to Person
One must simply love the deduction of the King of Nineveh in the days of Jonah. As the prophet cried out in the street of that great city, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown,” the people believed him and brought word to the king. The king then declared a fast and a cry to God, demanding that his people turn from their wicked ways and all violence. He said, “Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger, that we perish not?” 3:9.
Indeed, who can tell! How many people have given up on others way too soon? I recall a man whom I shall simply call Edward. He married a faithful deacon’s daughter, was a successful farmer, and always occupied a pew on Sunday and every night during revivals. But Edward was a lost man. I personally witnessed to him in his home; preached to him in several meetings over the years. Finally, I resigned myself that Edward would never be saved. Years went by. Other preachers worked on Edward with no success. Finally, one day a friend said to me, “Have you heard about Edward?” I just knew it was an announcement of his death since he was getting on in years. My friend said, “He trusted Jesus and is saved!” I could hardly believe it. Edward was near 90 years of age when this happened. I stood silently in awe, and in thanksgiving that this man now knew the Lord and I would see him in heaven. Who can tell?!
Now, I have another friend who has been so since teenaged years. He is in his early 80s. I have witnessed to him and prayed for him until I felt it may be no use. Then, I remember Edward, and I turn to prayer again. My friend said of himself that he was a good man, and that he would take his chances. I sought to impress him that without Jesus, he did not have a chance. That it was already settled, hell would be his eternal home. As of this date, he has not received Christ Jesus as his Savior, but neither have I quit praying; for, who can tell! Do you have a friend or loved one such as this? Don’t give up praying and witnessing to him/her, for who can tell!