Neil had just accepted Jesus as his Lord and made a commitment to follow Him. Arthur led him to the station to show him on his new way.
In front of them two trains were parked on separate tracks running parallel to each other. Every day they depart at the same time, travelling in the same direction to the same destination where passengers would get off either onto the hell platform or the heaven platform.
“Oh, yes!” said Neil, “There’s my old familiar train I’ve been travelling in my whole life.” He pointed to the old ugly and battered train, covered in brown rust-coloured dust. Some of the carriages had no roof and the ones that had, were full of holes. His eyes caught sight of the other train, “Where did this nice new one come from?”
“Your life has changed now,” said Arthur. “You have a ticket to travel in these beautiful new, first class carriages.”
“Take note, Neil, both trains depart at the same time every day, travel through the same countryside, cross the same mountains, follow the same tunnels and endure the same storms on their way. Which one would you prefer to travel in? It is for you to decide.”
“That’s easy, of course the new one,” Neil said
“Good, but make sure you stay on it. You have no idea how many people, holding tickets, still choose to travel with the old one. They refuse to believe they are able to lead a new life.”
“Have you seen Jesus cry? It sounds unthinkable but I have. I’ve seen the hurt in His eyes when He gives people tickets to travel in His new train but they refuse to do so.”
“Look at that bloke over there. He fell ill some time ago and he believes he is dying. Due to what he believes, he got off the new train and boarded the old one.”
“Jesus died for all our problems, sicknesses and pain. We have the option to use the healing ticket and take it and if it is too late, to still accept our circumstances. Then we would still travel in the new train in Jesus’ compartment, our heart, knowing we would arrive at our destination in comfort and style.”
“So many are thirsty but fail to see the glass of water Jesus is holding out to them. Some are bleeding spiritually but ignore the healing band aid He is offering them.”
“Many arrive at heaven’s platform on time but looking tired and worn, covered in dust and grime. This is not how Jesus intended it to be.”
“Faith is not just a dream, Neil, it is real and powerful, but it has to be done. Most importantly my friend, Jesus travels with us on the faith train. Every time we doubt His presence, we move over to the old train, and that hurts Jesus most! Believe in His presence and accept what He offers you in faith!”