In two days I would face the doctor's scalpel. I felt helpless, like a goldfish that had fallen out of his bowl. Whether I got the surgery or not, I could die. The very thought of that scared me. Not living to see another day. No laughter, or happiness or smiles or love. Nothing. Since God didn't seem to be around, I decided to ask my best friend what she thought I should do.
"Well…," Carly mused "I think you should pray about it, Sheryl-- I know, I know, you don't believe in God, but whether you'd like to admit it or not, God is here, watching out for you, taking care of you, and helping you through these hard times."
"How can you say that?" I screamed. "Look at this world. Look at the murderers, school shootings, the bombings, September 11th… Even if God does exist, he obviously doesn't care about us!"

"But he does, Sheryl." Carly's voice was gentle, soothing. "God does care. I can't explain all of the horrible things that go on around us, but I do know that there is sin in this world. Even if we haven't murdered anyone, or broken the law, we've all disobeyed or lied or thought something we shouldn't have. But God cares about us so, so much. He sacrificed his son, his only son, Jesus, to die for you. Isn't that awesome?" I had to admit, it sounded pretty cool.
"Jesus loves you so much, Sheryl. He loved you enough to die for you. Doesn't that make you feel special?"

I had a lump in my throat, so I just nodded. My heart pounded in my ears. 'He died for you' it seemed to say, over and over again. My eyes threatened to spill their tears.
" But that's not all. Jesus rose from the dead three days later, and now he is in heaven with God, his father."
Tears were streaming down my face now. How could God do that, for me? When I had deserted him, stopped going to church, stopped reading his word. I sobbed openly on Carly's shoulder. Her tears mingled with mine as we realized God's forgiveness and grace. The warmth of her hands massaging my back calmed me down, and after a little while she asked me quietly. "Do you believe in him?"
"Yes", I whispered tearfully.
"Then ask him to come into your heart and forgive you. Tell God that you want to live with him forever after you leave this world."

There, in my small bedroom, my life changed forever. As Carly and I held hands, bowing our heads, I poured out my heart to God. When I was finished, I felt an absolute peace come over me. It was like I was a new person. I felt stronger, more contented and happier then I have ever been in my whole life. Carly wiped her eyes and smiled at me. "You are now a new person in Christ! I'm so happy for you Sheryl!" She hugged me, and we both started crying again, laughing through out tears out of sheer joy.

Two days later, I lay in the hospital bed. The doctors gave me five more minutes to say goodbye to my family and friends, before they took me in for surgery. Dad brushed his hand across my cheek. "You'll do fine, honey." His eyes glistened with tears. "I love you." I smiled.
"I love you too, Dad."
Mom leaned down and gave me a kiss on the forehead. Her voice was smooth and soft. "I love you sweetheart." She planted a last kiss on my cheek, and lifted Brian up to my bed. His little face was full of happiness. "Jesus is answering my prayers, Sheryl. You are gonna be all better now!"
"That's right Bri," I said enthusiastically. "Jesus did answer our prayers.
"While I'm in surgery will you pray for me?" I squeezed his hand.
"Sure!" His cheeks looked rounder as he smiled.
"I love you Sheryl."
"I love you too Bri."
Carly came last. She leaned over my bed, and handed me a little piece of paper. On the card were the words: "God is only a prayer away." She smiled as I read it.
"You are gonna do great, Sheryl." Her eyes were glistening with tears. She squeezed my hand, and added. "I'll be praying for you."
"Thank you Carly," I whispered. "Thank you."

As the Doctors wheeled my bed away, I whispered a song heavenward.
'I stand, I stand, in Awe of you. Oh God to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of you'.
Thank you Jesus. Peace filled my heart. Thank you for loving me enough to die in my place. Thank you. As I smiled God's warmth and grace flooded my soul and I knew in my heart I would be okay.

(If you would like to let Jasmine know how much you enjoyed her story drop in on her writing group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Christian_writers_corner