Faith

---

The Stranger
by Kristine Stanton ©2016


“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
(Psalm 34:18, NLT)


I was a broken person
sitting on the sand.
I'd been to many places,
but none that God had planned.

I was tired, oh so weary—
I really needed rest.
I felt so lost and lonely
and not my very best.

I looked back at my actions
and all I saw was sin.
I needed to make changes.
Just how would I begin?

As though someone had heard me,
in answer to a prayer,
a stranger came before me
with brown and golden hair.

He stood there for a moment,
then sat upon the sand.
He smiled and said nothing,
but reached out for my hand.

I shook it with reluctance
and turned my eyes from him,
but then I noticed something
which lit all that was dim.

I didn’t know exactly
just what my heart had seen,
but something deep inside me
had made me feel so clean.

This man was very special—
I saw it in his eyes.
He looked extremely peaceful
and very, very wise.

We sat in utter silence
just staring out to sea,
and then I turned to ask him
if he would talk with me.

He nodded in agreement
and I began to cry.
I told him I was sinful,
then he asked me, "Why"?

The reasons were too many
for far too many years.
I told him I was sorry
while fighting back my tears.

Intently did he listen,
with patience and with grace.
He looked at me with sorrow
as tears streamed down his face.

He said I was forgiven
for all that I had done,
because our God in Heaven
had sent His only Son.

I looked at him and questioned
just what he really meant.
He told me many stories
of One that God had sent.

I listened in amazement,
for I had never known,
the One whose name was Jesus
had claimed me as His own.

I truly felt forgiven
and blessed with a new start.
This stranger gave me something
to carry in my heart.

I turned to ask this kind man
how he had grown so wise.
He looked up to the Heavens
with love and solemn eyes.

And then I asked the question,
what his name might be.
He didn't have to answer,
as it was plain to see...

The man who sat beside me
already paid the price
for all my sinful actions—
this man was Jesus Christ.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR