WHITE AS SNOW

"Though your sins be scarlet,
I have washed them white as snow..." Isaiha 1:18

      The morning began like all the other morning since my seventeen-year-old daughter Audrey died.  Deep in guilt-ridden depression which I could not rise above, I sat on the sofa wondering how I could go on living.  I started crying and ran into the bedroom and threw myself face down on the floor.  Sobbing loudly I cried, "Oh God I am sorry! I feel so guilty. Where did I go wrong in raising Audrey?"

      As I lay there sobbing I heard a voice, not audible but clearly, say, "Through your sins be as scarlet, I have washed them white as snow."

      Immediately I stopped crying for I knew the lord had spoken to me, telling me I was forgiven for all the mistakes I had made in raising my daughter.  After all, how could I raise her in the ways of the Lord when I had no knowledge of the Bible, and no example from loving parents to guide me.  I had no personal relationship with the risen Savior Jesus Christ.

      It was not until after her death, when, in desperation, I cried, "Oh God, please help me.  I don't where to turn.  How can I go on living?"

      My friend Adabelle took me to a Good News prayer meeting.  There I discovered that Jesus is real and I turned my life over to Him.  Through Jesus Christ I found the courage to go on living.  My life is forever changed because of Jesus.  I do not claim that I have had smooth sailing.  No, no! I have struggled to hang on many times.  Though it has not been easy, I will say God has brought me through each trial.

      Daily I seek the Lord, asking for guidance to see me through another day.  I have never forgotten that morning for it was an important milestone in my relationship with the living God.

      He doesn't care what past mistakes we have made.  The Bible says that if we confess our sins, He forgives us.  God longs to hear us call to him.  He longs to communicate with his children.  What a loving, merciful Father!  He is waiting with open arms!