A Chance Encounter

The setting sun painted the sky in hues of amber and violet, casting long shadows across the cracked sidewalk. Tiffany trudged along, her legs heavy after another fruitless job interview. Six months in the city, and her big dreams seemed further away than ever.

She fumbled in her bag for her phone, wincing at the notification of an overdue rent reminder. The weight of mounting bills and dwindling hope pressed down on her shoulders, making each step a herculean effort.

Lost in her spiral of worry, Tiffany barely noticed the old man on the park bench until his voice broke through her reverie. “Excuse me, miss? You look like you could use a friendly ear.”

Tiffany startled, her mother’s warnings about strangers in the city flashing through her mind. But something in the man’s weathered face and kind eyes made her pause. “I’m fine, really,” she mumbled, not quite meeting his gaze.

The man smiled gently, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Sometimes ‘fine’ is the heaviest word in the world. Would you like to sit for a moment?”

Against her better judgment, Tiffany found herself sinking onto the worn wooden bench. Its peeling green paint matched the fraying edges of her hope.

“I’m Jack,” the old man said, closing the small, worn book in his lap. “What’s troubling you, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Tiffany hesitated, picking at a loose thread on her sleeve. “It’s… everything, I guess. I came here with such big plans, you know? But nothing’s working out.” The words tumbled out, a dam finally breaking. “I can’t find a decent job, I’m behind on rent, and I’m starting to think I made a huge mistake moving here.”

Jack nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. “Life has a way of testing us, doesn’t it? In times like these, I’ve found comfort in faith. Have you ever considered that there might be a greater plan for you?”

Tiffany’s brow furrowed. “You mean, like, God? I don’t know… I’ve never been very religious.”

“It’s not about religion,” Jack said softly. “It’s about a relationship with a loving Creator. Someone who knows your struggles and wants to help.”

As they continued to talk, Tiffany felt a small spark of hope rekindling in her heart. It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but a quiet opening to new possibilities. Seeing this change in her demeanor, Jack leaned forward, his eyes shining with a gentle intensity.

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“Tiffany,” he said, his voice warm and inviting, “has anyone ever told you that God loves you and that He has a wonderful plan for your life?”

The question caught Tiffany off guard. She blinked, considering. “No, not really,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jack nodded, as if he had expected this answer. “Well, He does. And I have a quick, but important question to ask you. If you were to die this very second, do you know for sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you would go to Heaven?”

Tiffany’s mind reeled. It was such a direct question, one she’d never seriously considered before. “I… I’m not sure,” she stammered. “I hope so, but… I don’t really know.”

“That’s okay,” Jack reassured her. “Many people aren’t sure. Let me quickly share with you what the Holy Bible reads. It says, ‘For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,’ and ‘For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'”

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing, “The Bible also says, ‘For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ And you’re a ‘whosoever,’ right?”

Tiffany nodded slowly, her heart pounding. “I guess I am.”

“Of course you are; all of us are,” Jack said, his voice filled with warmth. “I’m going to say a quick prayer for you, if that’s alright.”

Tiffany hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She watched as Jack bowed his head, and after a brief pause, she did the same.

“Lord,” Jack began, his voice soft but clear, “bless Tiffany and her family with long and healthy lives. Jesus, make Yourself real to her and do a quick work in her heart. If Tiffany has not received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, I pray she will do so now.”

He looked up, meeting Tiffany’s gaze with a hopeful expression. “Tiffany, if you would like to receive the gift that God has for you today, say this after me with your heart and lips out loud.”

Tiffany’s emotions swirled. Part of her wanted to run, to escape the intensity of the moment, but another part—a deeper part—urged her to stay.

“Dear Lord Jesus,” Jack began.

Tiffany took a deep breath. “Dear Lord Jesus,” she repeated, her voice trembling slightly.

“Come into my heart. Forgive me of my sin. Wash me and cleanse me. Set me free.”

Tiffany echoed the words, each one resonating within her as if they were meant just for her.

“Jesus, thank You that You died for me. I believe that You are risen from the dead and that You’re coming back again for me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. Give me a passion for the lost, a hunger for the things of God, and a holy boldness to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“I’m saved; I’m born again, I’m forgiven, and I’m on my way to Heaven because I have Jesus in my heart,” Tiffany finished, a tear sliding down her cheek.

Jack smiled at her warmly.

“As a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I tell you today that all of your sins are forgiven. Always remember to run to God and not from God because He loves you and has a great plan for your life.”

Tiffany sat in silence for a moment, processing what had just happened. She didn’t feel dramatically different, but there was a sense of… something. Peace, maybe? Or the beginnings of it, at least.

“Thank you, Jack,” she said finally. “I… I have a lot to think about.”

Jack nodded understandingly. “That’s natural. Faith is a journey, not a destination. If you ever want to talk more or explore this path further, I’d love to invite you to my church.” He handed her a card with the church’s address.

As Tiffany walked home, her steps felt lighter. The city’s challenges hadn’t magically vanished, but for the first time in months, she felt like she wasn’t facing them alone. She had a lot to consider, and maybe, just maybe, the start of a new relationship she hadn’t been expecting today.

She clutched the card in her hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. Whatever came next, Tiffany knew this chance encounter had set her on a new and unexpected path.

You can reconnect with God wherever you are, at any moment. Today could be the beginning of a wonderful and wildly unexpected relationship with your Creator. If you’re ready to receive the free gift God has for you, say this prayer out loud, from your heart:

Welcome to God’s family. God’s richest blessings to you!

P.S. If you want to share this experience with your family and friends and guide them to the Lord, you can download a copy of this salvation script to use yourself.