Praying in the Cellar

“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” — John 6:37

When Amanda grew up, she wanted more than anything to belong to God. But she had a proud, strong will, and for a long time she wanted to be saved her own way, quietly, without any fuss.

She prayed and prayed. In her heart she felt she was not good enough, and a whispering voice kept telling her, “God will not hear you.” The harder she tried, the further away God seemed.

At last, one afternoon while she was working in a kind Quaker family’s home, Amanda made up her mind. She set the table, put the kettle on, and went down into the cellar to pray. “I must have salvation this afternoon,” she said, “or I will pray until I do.”

She poured out her whole heart to God. And then she prayed the simplest words of all: “O Lord, if Thou wilt help me, I will believe Thee.” And in the very moment she said she would trust Him — she did.

Joy flooded her soul like sunshine. The heavy burden rolled away. She looked at her hands and felt brand new all over. She ran up the cellar stairs, and later she looked in the big mirror, sure that even her face must look different.

Amanda thought she had to make herself good enough for God. But Jesus welcomes anyone who simply comes to Him and trusts Him. You do not have to be good enough first. You only have to come.

Dear Jesus, thank You that You never turn anyone away. Here I am — I come to You, and I trust You. Amen.