"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." -Dale Carnegie
Lawrence was a successful businessman who had everything, a palatial home, money, power, influence, and a beautiful wife. All might have been well for him except that he did not deprive himself of his vices; he lived to make money, chase women, and drink. Every day was business as usual for Lawrence until he was involved in a terrible accident that claimed the life of an innocent person.
Pastor Darrell, a volunteer in the hospital, visited him several times during his recovery from the injuries sustained in the crash. Pastor continued to visit Lawrence after he was released from treatment, encouraging him to seek Christ for help. Pastor assured this broken man that God would help him deal with the tremendous load of guilt he was carrying. Lawrence listened intently, but he couldn’t believe that God would forgive him. He had hurt so many: his family, business partners and the innocent victims who were suffering because of his irresponsible behavior.
He incurred astronomical hospital expenses and enormous attorney fees. His small fortune began to disappear. After everything was settled, his money was gone, his business collapsed and he was sent to jail. Pastor Darrell stayed in contact with Lawrence through the whole ordeal. He had only been out of prison for a short time when Dorothy, Lawrence’s wife, called, “Pastor, she said, “Lawrence had a massive heart attack and died instantly. He is gone. Can you come over, I need to talk with you?” Sadness and depression came over Pastor when he received this sad news. He felt like a loser for not being able to lead Lawrence to Christ.
Although Dorothy was devastated, she remained poised and in control of her emotions. She especially wanted Pastor to see a picture Lawrence had finished painting the night before he died. She told him that when he applied the final coat of red on Christ’s torn body he turned and said, “You know honey, for the first time in my life, I understand what Christ did on the cross.” “I can still see Lawrence standing there,” Dorothy said as she pointed to the picture, “and I will never forget what he said, “He did all this for me Dorothy, I now understand what Pastor Darrell has been trying to tell me. I have received Christ as my savior.”
Dorothy gave Pastor the painting. “Lawrence would want you to have this,” she said. Pastor Darrell walked back to his car carrying the painting. Before pulling out of the driveway, he reached over and felt of the red blood Lawrence had painted on the body of Jesus — it was still wet. Darrell sat there and wept, realizing that God’s grace and love had pierced the darkness surrounding Lawrence’s heart.
The blood of Jesus is still wet for you today. God is willing to forgive you, no matter what you’ve done, if you are willing to receive His forgiveness. God saved Lawrence and He can save you. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (the Apostle John).