Several years ago, I had a very good boss where I work. She was professional, congenial, and honest. She was a cradle Roman Catholic, having been raised in that cult and believing it to be the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. I never once told her the truth about her cult. Yet I prayed for her – to see the light, to have wisdom in business decisions – and told her I was praying for her. I gave her written and spoken encouragement and exhortations from Scripture. She was always gracious and thankful, but never showed one iota of being born again. 
Then she was diagnosed with breast cancer and left work for many months, with treatment and recuperation. While at home, a neighbor called occasionally, to bring a meal and so forth – and to witness Christ to her.
When she finally came back to work, my boss excitedly called me to conference to announce with a huge smile that split her face open – she was a baby Christian! I asked what she meant and she told me that while in her bed those many months, she began to read the Bible and ponder the things her neighbor and I had told her. She told me that the Roman cult discouraged their folk from reading the Bible! She told me that the Bible contained many wonderful truths about our savior that the cult of Rome never taught. She said that she didn’t know why the Lord had waited until she was 51 to save her, but she was sure that the blood of Christ – shed one time – covered her sins and wanted to know what Bible to buy and how to study it.
She left the Roman church, devoured the Bible, joined an evangelical church, and began to witness to her family.
Then she died of the cancer.
Brothers and sisters – we know not who the elect are. We are commanded to proclaim Christ to spiritually dead people everywhere, trusting God to save those He has chosen. He will do His job – even we do not. But, having faith in God, we ought to be more than willing to join in on the eternally glorious task of serving God in this manner.
Do not analyze who is likely to be saved. Neither you nor I were likely candidates. Have faith in God – He will keep His promises.
Christ Alone Wyoming 
Amen. Let us just do our job–share the gospel.
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That is a great encouragement. Thanks for sharing that story. Let us pray for boldness in sharing the gospel with our friends and workmates.
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Dear Manfred,
Amen!
“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
When we understand that ALL the power is in God’s inerrant Word it is so freeing!
“Some to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice…” Philippians 1:15-18
“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
Blessings, charisse
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Wonderful post, Manfred. Thanks for sharing.
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” Jn.6:63
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Thanks to all for the encouragement and confirmation. She was a joyful saint for the few short months she spent on this earth as a citizen of Heaven. I was humbled and most thankful for being used by God in a small way.
Let all things be done for the glory of our Savior, Jesus – Who is the Christ!
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I echo all the above sentiments.
It is truly an encouragement as well as a reminder of God’s sovereignty.
Thanks for sharing
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Thanks so much, Manfred, for this post. It has been an encouragement to my heart, which is so burdened for the soul of my husband, who is bound up in the dark lies of the Roman system. I sometimes feel like a flickering wick, but your testimony has fanned the flame. Bless you!
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Kaydee – Have faith in God – He alone can break through the sin-hardened hearts of His elect. Do not presume, though you love your husband dearly, that his name is written in the Lamb’s book. Simply pray for him without ceasing, asking God to have mercy on his soul, trusting God to be faithful to His promises. Live as unto God – our reward is heavenly!
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Thank you for sending me to this post, Manfred! Yes, we’re called to preach the Gospel to every creature, not knowing who will respond by God’s grace, just being obedient and loving.
Lord bless you!
Maria
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