Charlotte Elliott was an embittered woman. She suffered from poor health and a disability that had hardened her. She once said, “If God loves me, he would not have treated me this way�. In May 1822, a Swiss Minister named Dr. Cesar Malan, visited Charlotte in her home in Brighton, England. He had heard of her illnesses and had hoped to help her. Over dinner, Charlotte lost her temper and began railing against God and her family in a violent outburst. Her family, embarrassed by her actions, left the room and Dr. Malan was left alone with Charlotte.

As he sat observing her, he considered the best way to approach her. Finally, he said, “You are tired of yourself, aren't you? You are holding on to your hate and anger because you have nothing else in the world to cling to. Consequently, you have become sour, bitter, and resentful.�

Stunned by his candor, Charlotte asked him, “What is your cure?�

The doctor simply said, “The faith you are trying to despise.�

As they talked, Charlotte's heart began to soften, and she asked, “If I wanted to become a Christian and to share the peace and joy you possess, what would I do?�

“You would give yourself to God just as you are now, with your fighting and fears, hates and loves, pride and shame.�

“I would come to God just as I am. Is that right?� Charlotte did come just as she was, and her heart was changed that day. As time passed, she found and claimed John 6:37 as her special verse: “... he who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.�

Years later, her brother, Rev. Henry Elliott, was raising funds for a school. Charlotte wrote a poem, and it was printed and sold across England. The leaflet said: Sold for the benefit of Saint Margaret's Hall, Brighton: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no way cast outâ€�. Underneath was Charlotte's poemâ€" which has since become the most famous invitational hymn in history!

Although she never enjoyed good health, Charlotte lived to be 82 years old and wrote about 150 hymns. After her death, her loved ones sifted through her papers, and they found over a thousand letters she had kept in which people expressed their gratitude for the way that this hymn had touched their lives.

Just as I am, without one plea,

 but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou bidd’st me come to Thee,

 O Lamb of God, I come, I come!²

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your death on the cross that made it possible for me to come to you just as I am. You overlook my “ugliness� and accept me with all my human flaws. I am so grateful for your loving kindness and forgiveness! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. John 6:37 (ESV).

2. “Just as I Am� Hymn by Charlotte Elliot.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.