Cynicism developed early in life is a condition from which full recovery is unlikely. Direct exposure to repeated claims of personal holiness formed a wall of resistance and resentment. When those claims were clearly contradicted by observed behaviors, he was destined to form his own system of unbelief. Events of personal loss, perceived abandonment, and hardened independence left his mind firmly fixed in a form of agnosticism at the age of seventeen. Parentally forced to attend a Christian college, with no financial assistance, his unbelief constructed an impenetrable shell.Then she appeared.With what seemed to be a coincidental meeting of their eyes, no words exchanged, he suddenly realized hope that might change his miserable, lonely existence. Nagged by his cynicism and resentment, the hope quickly changed to an impossible wish. He knew that his view of religion would not change and he knew that the ladies on the campus were likely to be seeking Christian mates.In spite of those factors, he continued to search the campus in the hope that he might find her. Another coincidence gave him her telephone number, which led to an informal meeting. He was surprised when she invited him to join her for the campus prayer meeting. Becoming better acquainted, he saw in her a person who clearly enjoyed a real familiarity with God through Jesus Christ and whose conduct bore witness to it. He informed her that he could not be a Christian. Her simple reply was You will be.Throughout the succeeding years, her prayers sustained him through military service and ultimately presented a most unexpected path to his salvation. Together, they enjoyed an endless, limitless love for each other that held them through the harsh realities of life. This is a true account of pure, unbroken devotion.
