Courage to Tell

So, that's what I've been wanting to tell you." Dante watched his friend to see how he'd react. "Ever since I became a Christian at camp, I've wanted to talk to you about it, but I was never sure how to bring it up."

"Wow," said Corbin. "I had no idea you were a Christian, and I'm your best friend!" He punched Dante in the arm. "Well, I'm glad you finally told me. I've been wondering about God lately. Maybe you can answer some of my questions."

"Sure!" Dante felt a surge of relief, and the boys talked more about Jesus and His love for everyone. Before the evening ended, Corbin asked Jesus to be his Savior.

"I'm sorry I waited so long to tell you I was a Christian," Dante said, "but I'm glad I finally did, and that now you know Jesus too!"

"So am I!" Corbin grinned at his friend, then looked down at his phone. "Well, I gotta get home. See you tomorrow, Dante."

The next day, Dante's mom woke him up very early in the morning. "Dante, I'm afraid I have some very difficult news," she said with tears in her eyes. "Corbin was hit by a car on his way home last night. They rushed him to the hospital, and the doctors did all they could, but he didn't make it. He died a couple hours ago."

Dante stared at his mom in shock, then broke down crying.

"I'm so sorry, Dante," Mom said, wrapping her arms around him.

After a few minutes, Dante wiped his eyes and looked at his mom. "I'm so glad I told Corbin about Jesus. I had been putting it off because I didn't know how he'd react, but yesterday I asked God to give me the courage to do it, and He did. And Corbin trusted Jesus as His Savior!"

Mom brushed a tear away and smiled. "I'm so happy to hear that. We can't know when or how someone will respond to the good news of Jesus, but God often uses Christians to help others understand His love for them at just the right time. Even though we're sad, we know Corbin is with Jesus now, and someday we'll see him again." Jan L. Hansen