In the “olden days” when I was in School we celebrated Lincoln and Washington’s birthday, now days we just have President’s Day. As I researched the topic of Lincoln I was surprised to find that Lincoln was not a “religious” president. Early in his life he drew away from his Calvinistic upbringing. He didn’t reject God, but like a lot of people he just didn’t go to church or study the scriptures. His wife was very religious either. They accepted the idea of Jesus Christ as Savior but never made a profession of faith. Like many of our guests they just didn’t need Jesus in their lives on a daily basis until tragedy struck.
Lincoln read the Bible, but its word didn’t stir his soul until he was faced with life events that were overwhelming. Faced with the mounting death toll of the Civil War, losing major battles, the death of his beloved son and an increasing depression in both his and Mary’s life, Lincoln turned God. He found the Bible to be a book of truth, solace and guidance. He found Christ to be his Savior. Our guests often go through life not knowing the peace of knowing God. Like Lincoln it takes tragedies to bring them to their knees, seeking help. At Open Door Mission we present the Gospel to all our guests. They can choose to reject God’s forgiveness and love, or like Lincoln find in the Savior there is hope. So, this Lincoln’s birthday reflect on the goodness and saving grace of God…pray for those at Open Door Mission struggling to find peace and hope.
“In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.” ~Abraham Lincoln, Sept. 7, 1984