“God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.” 2 Peter 3:9 (The Message)

He was a hard man in life. At 89 years old and in poor mental and physical health, Wilbur lay dying in the emergency room.

Two years earlier, his son opened his home to “Pappy” and Grandma, hoping that living with them would soften his heart to the Gospel.

While Wilbur was in ER, his son, Jim, shared with him that this was going to be his greatest battle, and that it was not yet too late to accept Jesus. After giving Wilbur some time to think about all that he had said, Jim asked his dad if he wanted to pray to accept Jesus. Wilbur agreed. He seemed to understand what was being said to him and he indicated he accepted the Lord just before he lost consciousness.

Do you have loved ones who have lived their lives in opposition to God? Have you given up hoping that they will ever come to faith in Christ? God can do all things, including taking a sinner to Himself just before he loses awareness of what is being said to him. God has answered many years of prayers for Wilbur’s salvation.

This story was shared with Wilbur’s granddaughter’s permission to encourage you with what God has done.