ALIVE TO GOD

I gave my life to Jesus, when I was in my teens. They told me just how fortunate that deed had surely been. They said God had a plan for me so marvellous and good. But no details were given me. So I misunderstood, The things that were telling me. I thought I would be rich. I’d ride on six white horses, not crawl along a ditch. That I could take it easy, for God was on my side. That He would give me everything, a husband gives his bride. Those were my first impressions. I couldn’t turn that down! I may have been a teenager but I was not a clown. It wasn’t very long before I really bumped my nose. It must have been stupidity, or madness I suppose. For all those first impressions, were absolutely wrong. My friends thought I was crazy; it wasn’t very long, Before those foolish notions gave way to what was fact. By then I was committed; there was no turning back. I’d started to love Jesus and then I didn’t care. I’d live for Him or die for Him and do it anywhere. For I had taken up my cross and set off down my road. For He had told me softly, that He would share my load. My circumstance was difficult; I couldn’t care a fig. He led the way in front of me; His guidance was so big, It really didn’t matter. His love for me was sure. There was an inner longing, to live a life that’s pure. And then He whispered something that made me want to cry. He said to truly follow Him that I would have to die. I found it hard to swallow. For death would bring great pain. He said that He had suffered, and it had been great gain. So if I would be like Him, I’d have to suffer too. There wasn’t an alternative to what I had to do. I’d have to be a student in His school of bumps and knocks. The colours would be black and blue as people cast their rocks. But even if it killed me. What was there I could lose? If Jesus was my Master, His will I had to choose. But miracle of miracle. The things that I was told, When I became a Christian, I’m starting to behold. The fact is I am rich with more than I can ever spend. My dwelling is a mansion and life now has no end. Perhaps I am still living, on this side of the tomb. This world has no attraction; it’s just the ante-room; To being with my Master. That’s where I long to be. Alive and in His heaven, for all eternity. Jim Strickland – Written Friday, 14 October 2011