Testimony of George Best
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. - 2 Kings 5:1.
George Best, the famous Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer had the world at his feet. He had looks, talent, fame and fortune. But he was an alcoholic. George's worst decision must have been to take his first drink. If only he had known and heeded the scripture. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby, is not wise - Proverbs 20:1. George's lifestyle had caught up with him, and he was very ill. The day George was admitted to Cromwell Hospital, 26th September 2005, the 'Radio Bible Class - Daily Bread' reading was Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap - Galatians 6:7.
Both Namaan and George were given the opportunity to make their life-changing decisions, as God was working in both their lives. In Namaan's home he had a little captive maid who told of a prophet in Samaria who would be able to help him. Namaan decided to seek out the prophet, and following his instructions was healed of his leprosy. In the hospital God had Joyce, a Christian nurse, who read the Bible and prayed with George at every opportunity. About three weeks before his death, George accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his own and personal Saviour, making, without doubt, the best decision of his life. In the words of Joyce, "he confessed with his mouth". That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved - Romans 10:9.
George enjoyed many priveledges as a celebrity. His status meant that he was treated like royalty on many occasions. His place in heaven, however, was only gained when he took that place as a sinner and not as George Best the world famous footballer. All the family, who had been at his bedside, left for home on 26 November 2005, one day after his death. The 'Radio Bible Class' reading for that day was The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ - 1 Corinthians 15:56-57.
On 3 December 2005, the day of George's funeral, his sister got an assurance from God about George's place in heaven. The 'Daily Bread' reading for that day was It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found - Luke 15:32.
It is never too soon to put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, but you could leave it too late. Do not put off salvation until another day, in the hope of repenting with your last breath. Dear friend, you might never get that chance.
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth - Proverbs 27:1.
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation - 2 Corinthians 6:2.
C .A. M.
Copies of this text are available, in printed form, from John McIntosh, 18 Killymuck Road, Kilrea, Northern Ireland. BT51 5UB. UK.