“As I’ve mentioned before,” Stan said, “I just love hearing about how other people came to faith. There are so many different stories that are helpful in reaching out to others.”
“The power of personal testimony,” I commented.
“Exactly. And I heard another one last night, from one of our neighbors, a story I had not heard him tell before.”
“What was it?”
“You know how some churches have a sign in front of the building where the church meets, a sign that gives the title of the message that the pastor will be giving?”
“Sure,” I responded. “I’ve seen that many times. Not all churches have such a sign, and I have to admit that I have also wondered why some of them do.”
“My neighbor’s story tells exactly why they do that!” Stan exclaimed. “My neighbor said he was driving by a church one Saturday on his way somewhere and he saw such a sign that said ‘Forsake your folly and live’.”
“That’s from Proverbs isn’t it?” I said.
“That’s right,” Stan replied, “and my neighbor said he was so struck by what that sign said that he stopped the car in the church parking lot and spent several minutes thinking about the folly of his life and how he did not feel that he was living the life that was intended for him.”
“Was he a believer at that point?”
“He was not,” Stan replied, “but the next day he was back at that church to hear the message the pastor gave about fools and folly and how to have the life God intends for each one of us. The life based on the assurance of being in God’s eternal presence when it’s time, along with the eternal life of knowing the Father and the Son on this side of eternity.”
“So, did he come to faith that Sunday?”
“He did,” Stan replied. “All because of a sign in front of the church building, a sign that he says he believes was put there for him so he would forsake his folly and truly live!”
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Bible verses to consider:
Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:6.
For he who finds me (wisdom) finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:35.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17.
And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. John 17:3.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your free and gracious provision of life eternally with you when my time here is completed. All through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you for the truth that set me free from eternal separation from you, along with being free from the folly of trying to live a life without you. I confess that there are too many times when I allow the folly of foolishness to still rise up in my life. Please help me in following your lead away from all such folly and foolishness so I am only who you intend, doing what you intend, for as long as you keep me on this side of eternity. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: It is folly for a person to try to live a life apart from God. Do you agree with that? Why or why not? What does it look like for a person to live a life without such folly? Do you have the assurance of salvation for when you step into eternity? If no, why? Is folly standing in the way? If so, do you want to get rid of that? Do you know how? If you do have the assurance of salvation, how are you doing with folly on this side of eternity? Any changes needed or wanted?
Waiting for the Train 