An Eternal Mistake

(Photo: Unsplash)

April’s mistake might change where a young woman spends eternity.

My wife, April, enjoys creating videos and posting them on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxCVluI_lWrk-bwaie1QF7w

When we married, she was doing all the work to produce such a video using only her phone. I suggested we get her a laptop and better editing software to make this passion easier. We have slowly been investing in her hobby. Purchasing a wireless mic, a GoPro camera, and even a green screen background. Our dining room is now a mini studio.

After receiving her new laptop, powerful enough to run editing software, she did her research and picked one to purchase and download onto her PC. She thought she was selecting the option to have lifetime access to this software, but either in her excitement or it was kind of small, she neglected to see a box “pre-checked” that also included a monthly subscription.

I was looking at April’s checking account the other evening when I saw a charge I wasn’t expecting to see. I asked April about it; she didn’t know why it was there either. I logged into her editing software account and saw that she had a monthly subscription. Thinking this was a mistake or a scam, I felt we needed to call our bank. I was going to call after the Labor Day Holiday, but something inside me kept whispering, “Call now.”

While talking to the young woman in the bank’s Fraudulent Charges Department (say that three times), something came up about birthdays. She informed me that she would never celebrate another birthday. Honestly, I thought she didn’t even sound old enough to be 29 and, like many women, never want to turn 30 for reasons unbeknownst to me.

I inquired with curiosity as to why and it was then she told me that this past July, her only brother died the day before her birthday. I know! My heart sank, became heavy, and tears filled my eyes. What do you say after hearing something like that? Fortunately, the Holy Spirit knew what to say and started prompting me in my spirit as to the words she needed to hear.

She thought my calling was a coincidence, but I immediately corrected her and shared that it was God. He wanted her to know how much He loves her and her grieving family and that He knows exactly how she feels and that He cares. She seemed interested in checking out a recent sermon by my pastor online, and she seemed open to accepting God’s love which I pray will lead her to accept his son, Jesus. Once she does, she will then spend eternity in heaven.

April’s mistake may cost us financially, but it’s nothing compared to what Jesus paid so this young woman, you, and I can live forever in heaven. Thank you, God, for going out of your way to love us and to show just how much you love us.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10 (AMPC)

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.


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