by David Fawcett

It’s never too late.

That phrase kept bouncing around in my head as I thought about the importance of sharing the Gospel with someone when the opportunity arrives. You may not know beforehand how it will happen or when. You may worry whether you will say the right thing or are up to the task.

But when the moment occurs, know two things: God will equip you. All you need to be is ready with the simplest, yet most powerful message one can deliver in helping lead someone to salvation.

On July 29, my Uncle Doug passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Florida. His death was expected after he went into hospice when his body began to shut down. But while we grieve Doug’s loss, there is this good news: 20 minutes before he died, Doug gave his life to Jesus.

Two fundamentally key steps led to this moment. A willingness to seek even if you don’t fully understand. And the boldness and obedience on the part of believers to meet the need when called.

None of this occurs by chance. It’s all rooted in a series of Holy-Spirit led divine appointments.

This blessing began at the senior living facility where Doug’s wife Sharon works. One day, a woman, apparently aware of Doug’s failing health, came out of nowhere to ask Sharon a question: “Did you know you can’t go to Heaven without asking Jesus to forgive your sins and accept Him as their Savior?” 

Sharon said she did not know that. The woman responded that what she shared was the truth.

As Doug’s condition declined, Sharon struggled to shake what the woman told her at the facility. It concerned her enough that she reached out to two friends (John and Bev) who are Christians. She asked them if what the woman said was in fact the truth. John confirmed the woman’s statement and then asked Sharon why she was asking? Sharon relayed the encounter with the woman at the facility and then added a request. Although neither she nor Doug were active churchgoers, something kept pushing her to seek more clarity.

Sharon asked if John and Bev could pray for Doug, assuming they’d do it at their home. But understanding the urgency of the situation, John and Bev came over to Doug and Sharon’s house.

Carrying a Bible, John sat next to Doug, took his hand and told him that in life we are all sinners. Then John asked Doug if he wanted to ask Jesus to forgive his sins and accept Jesus as his savior.

Unable to speak by now, Doug squeezed John’s hand. John said, “Doug, I felt you squeeze my hand and I’m going to take that as a yes.” John then said, “Doug, I’m going to meet in heaven with you one day,” and he said, “God bless you.’”

Bev went to Doug’s side and said her goodbyes and then they left.

At 7:09 p.m. Doug died.

As Sharon and her daughter processed what they just witnessed, it was clear to them that Doug was waiting for permission to go. Now, with John’s help, he had permission.

The blessings continue to flow. Though they left for vacation, John and Bev plan to meet with Sharon when they return to talk to her about what she needs to see her husband again. Sharon looks forward to that conversation as she begins her walk of faith.

I share this story as a source of hope. We all have family members and friends who are unbelievers and we wonder if they will ever come to Jesus. I know I am often guilty of writing people off by thinking, it’s too late, they are beyond hope.

And then you hear stories like this and you remember that nothing is impossible with God even in the 11th hour. He is on call 24/7 for assistance. We just have to ask (As a perfect example from the Bible, think of the thief on the cross next to Jesus.)

The question is whether we will let Him use us for His purposes.

The woman in the senior living facility could have kept quiet. But she did not.

Sharon could have ignored the woman’s comments and moved on. But she did not.

John and Bev could have conveniently prayed something rote from a distance instead of face-to-face. But they did not.

Sharon could have closed the door after Doug gave his life, thinking there was nothing more available. But she did not.

In each case, everyone stepped out in faith, even if everyone didn’t know where that was leading or totally understood what was going on. Sometimes, this involves a step-by-step process. But the result always leads to the same place if you are open and willing to partake in God’s plan.

 Our job is not to convert. It’s to plant the seeds. You never know how that will happen or who God works through to accomplish His purposes. But it will happen if you partner with God in spreading the Gospel.

Be encouraged. As long as we are on earth, it’s never too late.

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7

David Fawcett is a long time member of All Saints’ Church, Woodbridge, VA.