Anna couldn’t comprehend God’s timing. Why would God send Faye her way now with their engagement off and Matt out of her life? How could she on one hand lead Faye to the Lord and on the other hand tell her that the son she thinks has changed so much is two-timing with Tamara? God was asking too much.
Anna cleared the giant knot formed in her throat and made one decision—to obey. The minute she opened her mouth, wisdom poured forth and the Holy Spirit took over.
“Faye, God’s son, Jesus, paid the price for our mistakes when he died on the cross. All we need to do is ask him in faith to forgive our sins and come into our life. He removes them as far as the east is from the west.”
“But, Anna, you have no idea—I’ve done unspeakable things in the wake of my hurt. I was so angry with Darren when I found out he cheated on me that I did even worse. Can I really be forgiven?”
Anna assured her. “Yes, Faye, there’s no record of wrongs once we hand them over to Jesus.”
“But, Anna, I honestly don’t know anything about this Jesus other than to hear people use his name when they’re angry, me included.”
Anna’s heart lurched in genuine excitement. “Oh, I could spend hours sharing, but in a nutshell, Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth in the form of a tiny baby born in a humble manger. You know—the Christmas story.”
Faye laughed. “Yes, that one I know. But the baby Jesus story always …” She hesitated. “... it makes me uncomfortable, as if this tiny baby somehow expects something from me. Santa is a more comfortable option.”
Anna agreed. “Yes, every celebration which would turn us toward God, Satan has presented a counterfeit to distract, but that’s a subject for another day. Let’s stick to the Jesus story for now.
“Many miracles occurred during Jesus’s ministry on earth, but the most incredible miracle of all was the fact he subjected himself to a horrible death on the cross in order to pay the price for our sins.”
“I’ve heard of this,” Faye admitted, “but the circle of friends I hang with, laugh and joke about a so-called powerful one who would allow mankind to kill him. We questioned that if he was so powerful, why didn’t he come down from the cross and destroy them all?”
Faye’s words held a whisper of regret. “But now I think I understand. He had a purpose for dying … me.”
“Oh, Faye, you do understand.” Anna said with conviction. “But Jesus didn’t remain in the grave they put him in. He rose on the third day like he said he would, so that death was defeated. We celebrate this at Easter.
“You mean Easter isn’t about the Easter Bunny? Another distraction, right?”
“Faye, you learn fast.”
Faye laughed through her tears causing a snort to cut loose over the line.
Anna couldn’t contain her laughter. They both started to howl.
“Oh my gosh, I’m sorry,” Faye bubbled. “That was so unladylike.”
Anna was surprised to hear the sound of her own laughter. Somehow out of the ashes, joy found a window and streamed in. Anna felt a power from on high and carried on with the conversation as if she didn’t have a care in the world.
“Okay, I’m going to finish up so I don’t overwhelm you.”
“No, no, Anna, I’ve got this. Jesus came to earth. He died for my sins. He rose from the dead.”
“Faye, I can see where Matt gets his smarts from.”
“I know, right? That’s what I’ve been saying for years.” She giggled over the line. “But how was death defeated? We all still die.”
Anna had to shake her head clear. Just the name of Matt brought instant tears.
“Yes, we die physically but have the privilege of living forever with Jesus in a place where there will be no more sadness or sorrow.”
Faye cut in. “Oh, I like the sound of that. This old world has been much too painful.”
Anna smiled into the phone. “I know. The thought of heaven brings me a lot of comfort too. But it’s not just about the eternal, it’s also about the here and now. When we believe in Jesus, he sends the Holy Spirit to help us live a better life. It’s why you’ve seen a big change in your son.”
As Anna voiced the words, a single bead of perspiration worked its way down her spine and thoughts began racing through her head like gusts of wind dancing through an open field.
If Matt is a changed man, then why didn’t I let him explain?
The spirit of God instantly answered her question.
Fear. You’re afraid of facing his past, but you will need to in order to embrace the future.
Faye’s voice snapped Anna into the present. “Anna you’ve given me a lot to think about. I’ll certainly need some help to sort out my messy life.”
“Yes, it can be convoluted.” Anna agreed, but she was thinking about her own dilemma.
“I’ve got it, Anna, I know just what to do. I’ll be on the next plane out,” Faye declared. “I’ve so much to learn, and the fact my son loves me when I don’t deserve it proves to me there is a God. I already believe.”
“And, Anna, I’m so thankful you came into his life and brought this Jesus with you. It’s just what our family needs.”
Anna gulped back a cry.
“I can’t wait to see you and Matt and hear about Jesus—and learn even more. Oh, I have so much to arrange.”
“I’ll text you with details of my flight. And if it’s okay, I’d like to stay with you and Melody. That little girl just melts my heart. I know Matt visits daily, so
