Isobel's Story
I have lived
in Lewis all my life being the eldest of four children. In my
early days, Sunday was very much a day of rest, going to church
and Sunday school, which was all in gaelic and not easy to understand,
however it was a seed for our growth.
When it came time to leave home, I moved to the bright lights
of Stornoway. There was no street lighting back then. It was a
different world to me and I got up to things that teenagers normally
do.
I met my future husband in 1965, we subsequently got married and
had four children. Times were not easy.
In 1978 I came under the conviction of sin, and knew that I needed
the Lord's forgiveness or I would be destined for hell. This scared
me. I wasn't a regular church attender after getting married,
I didn't pray or read the Bible.
In the meantime a Christian lady began working with me. She was
always encouraging me to start going to Church. I did start going
to Church, at first only at baptisms or communion services, but
how I would envy the Lord's people. I kept saying how I would
love to be with them, but how am I going to get there. Why doesn't
the Lord forgive me for my sin the same as He has them.
One night my friend from work handed me a tract (FOOTPRINTS) which
I hung by my bedside. Sometime later we had a fire in that bedroom.
I couldn't believe it when I went in the following day to find
the tract had been untouched by the fire, the Lord was telling
me something, but I needed assurance.
At this time services were being held in the Cearns Community
Centre on a Sunday and I began to go along there. In the Winter
of 2003 my daughter and son in law went forward to the Lord's
table and this had a great impact on me. I was happy for them
but, as I sat and watched them taking communion, I couldn't help
but think how can she do it and I cannot? Little did I know that
my daughter in law who was sitting beside me was thinking the
same.
A day or two later I met my work friend in the street. I told
her how pleased I was for my daughter and son in law. Well she
said you could do the same. What are you waiting for, a miracle
to appear from the sky? I went home but kept saying I cannot do
this without the Lords assurance.
On the Sunday prior to the Spring communion in the High Church
in Stornoway, the minister encouraged anyone who was wanting to
come to the Lords table for the first time to call and see him
in the manse - I didn't. Lord show me a sign first. On the Tuesday
night I opened my Bible at Luke chapter 22 and began reading.
The Lord spoke to me through verses 17 –
20.
I took my first communion in the Spring of 2004 along with the
late Ella, bless her, and my neighbour Mary, who is a Christian
and has been a great help to me. Unknown to me my daughter in
law took communion for the
first time in her church the same Sabbath.
It was a wonderful time. The burden of sin just lifted and was
left at the foot of the Cross. What a Saviour we have when all
we have to do is believe and put our trust in Him an He will save
us.
That happiness carried on for weeks. Creation looked so new. The
grass and trees looked greener to me, but He takes us back down
from the mountain top to work our own way back up with His help.
All I want now is for the rest of my family to know this saving
grace which I have experienced.
I read this
verse in 'Our Daily Bread' and thought I would share it with you.
Gods word
will change your life
If you will do your part
To read to study and obey
And hide it in your heart.
