DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I'm not in good health, and I have only myself to blame. I was told repeatedly that my wild ways would catch up with me, but I didn't listen. I guess I thought I'd be the exception. I know I need God, but I don't think He likes me.
-- Z.D.
DEAR Z.D.: As you've discovered, you were wrong to ignore those who said you were ruining your health -- but you'd be even more wrong if you thought that God doesn't like you. In fact, God doesn't only like you -- He loves you.
This doesn't mean God loves the way you've been living, because He doesn't. In fact, God honestly hates what you've been doing. But the reason is because He knows the damage it has caused your body -- and also your soul. God knows what is best for us, and when we ignore Him and go our own way, we end up paying a terrible price -- not only in this life, but in the life to come. The Bible warns that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
But God loves you in spite of the way you've been living -- and the proof is that He sent Jesus Christ into the world to save you. If you were worthless, would He have died for you? No, of course not. But you aren't worthless, and God yearns for you to come to Christ and by faith receive Him into your life. Jesus said, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37).
As you face an uncertain future, you need God more than ever. Don't let doubt, or pride, or anything else keep you from opening your heart and life to Jesus. The Bible says, "The eyes of the Lord are on those ... whose hope is in his unfailing love" (Psalm 33:18).
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
MovieStyle on 08/12/2016