"My family is Buddhist, and my parents didn't want me to look into other beliefs," she commented.
I sat facing a beautiful young lady whose huge, dark eyes stared back at me. "Really, I think, the gods of different religions are basically the same one," she added slowly.
She described a few of her family's beliefs and traditions. She explained the after-life, as they know it. But her eyes questioned, and her tone was doubtful. "It doesn't exactly make sense ... I haven't really claimed it as my own."
The moment before I responded was quiet--on the outside. Inside, my thoughts and feelings tumbled over each other. I felt the bursting thrill of a 4-year-old girl holding her surprise in both hands behind her back. Her whole face is lit up with anticipation of revealing and sharing her precious treasure. Truth is indeed a treasure worth sharing, and Truth is a Person.
I felt utter gratefulness for God's work in my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. 
But it's not only my family who holds these beliefs: God has redeemed my heart and changed my life.
"I'm a believer in Jesus Christ," I began simply. "I believe in the God of the Bible because I know how He's changed me. He's answered my prayers. I've seen His power..."
She listened to my spontaneous testimony, intrigued. She wanted to know more. She wanted a Bible. "The Bible says that there is only one God," I commented, as I gave her a Bible and showed her its division of books.
One God. My mind returned to the story I read only this morning in 1 Samuel 5; I marvel at the Holy Spirit's preparation in both her heart and mine. The Philistines defeated the Israelites in battle, and captured the ark of the covenant. They moved the ark to Ashdod, and gave it an honored position, beside their god Dagon. It appeared reasonable and appropriate--the Israelites' God and their own god (one of many), Dagon. Although they recognized this God as mighty (the One who brought plagues to the Egyptians, they noted), they didn't realize something: this God doesn't share.
I serve a holy God who accepts nothing less than everything. He demands preeminence, and does not share His glory with another.
The Philistines slept well that night, no doubt, in sweet victory. The next morning, however, a troubling sight greets them. Dagon was on its face before the ark of the Lord. They quickly make amends, and set it in it's place, somewhat mystified by the scene. The next day's sun rose upon a more startling picture. Not only was Dagon on the ground, but its head and hands, broken off the revered god, also lay scattered. At last the Philistines recognize the power of the Israelite's God, but instead of worshiping Him, they seek to escape Him.
One God. My new friend said she wanted to know more about Christianity. I suggested that she begin reading in John. And I told her that God promises in the Bible that if you seek Him with your whole heart, you will find Him. Her fascination renewed my own joy and gratefulness for my God and Savior. He's been the one God since before our time began. He is a living God! And He's all-powerful.
"My family is Buddhist, and my parents didn't want me to look into other beliefs," she commented.I sat facing a beautiful young lady whose huge, dark eyes stared back at me. "Really, I think, the gods of different religions are basically the same one," she added slowly.She described a few of her family's beliefs and traditions. She explained the after-life, as they know it. But her eyes questioned, and her tone was doubtful. "It doesn't exactly make sense ... I haven't really claimed it as my own."The moment before I responded was quiet--on the outside. Inside, my thoughts and feelings tumbled over each other. I felt the bursting thrill of a 4-year-old girl holding her surprise in both hands behind her back. Her whole face is lit up with anticipation of revealing and sharing her precious treasure. Truth is indeed a treasure worth sharing, and Truth is a Person.I felt utter gratefulness for God's work in my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents.
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