Truth To Power

Truth to Power

Dear God,

A year ago today I picked up the Bible. It was the first time I had ever opened your book. There was a lot that I didn’t understand. I could not believe you would call me a sinner though. I’m a good person, I go to work each day, provide for my family, love my wife and kids and when I see a homeless person I will stop and say, ‘Hi’. I felt angry with you, who are you to judge me? I put down the Bible and buried it under a pile of books and magazines.

Two weeks later my best friend Paul died, he was run over while crossing the road. He left behind a wife and three children. Again, I was cross at you. I asked you why you would let such an awful thing happen to such a nice person. You didn’t reply.

The thing is God that Paul knew you, he went to church every Sunday, he said he loved you. He would talk about you. He would say weird things such as you died on a cross so that we could be forgiven and that if we gave our lives to you we will spend eternity with you.

I decided to open the Bible again, I don’t know why I guessed that if you were good enough for Paul then I would give you another try. The page fell open on 1 Peter. I had no idea who Peter was. I began to read it, it said something about people loving you and believing in you even though no one can see you and that we will receive salvation. I notice that you like to use big words when you speak, I had to look up what it meant by salvation. I flicked through the pages looking for answers. I learnt that salvation meant you would offer everlasting life to people who believe in you. Paul would talk about living with you after he died. Most people have a fear dying, I did too. Paul talked differently, he truly believed that one day he would be with you and that meant everything to him.

At the time you and your book was all I had to keep Paul close to me.

Paul told me that your Word is the truth, as I read each word I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had finally been handed the answers to life’s biggest questions. I wanted what Paul had, I wanted to believe in something bigger than myself.

I thought that you were being rude, how could a loving God call one of his children a sinner. Then I read that we are all sinners even if we have done things that we would be ashamed of such as telling lies, being selfish and having bad thoughts. You taught me that no one is perfect.

I showed my wife your words. At first I was scared to show her. I was worried that she may have thought I’d gone weird, perhaps even having a mental breakdown after losing Paul. My wife’s reaction surprised me, she encouraged me to share what I had learnt, she also wanted to know the truth.

That night my wife and I sat around our kitchen table and gave our lives to you. You’ll remember that it was a short prayer, it seems that was all that was needed. We confessed our sins and declared how much we needed you. Your power swept over us, we could feel it, it was as though a wave of energy had come upon us.

I now know that your power is working in us and that when I am afraid you have not given me a spirit of fear but of power. When I struggle, you strengthen me. I now have peace I know that my days are held in your hand.

Yours Faithfully,

Simon.