"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:8 (NIV)
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12 (NIV)
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
Many years ago, in a little country church in East Texas, I found everything that I would ever need. I found Jesus! Or, He found me!! Let's just say that we found each other. The decision on my part to pray a sinner's prayer and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior has brought such peace and joy to my life, during the good times and through the bad times. My life continues to be radically changed because of His love and acceptance of me that day so long ago.
Actually, there is nothing this world has to offer that can compare to the lasting satisfaction and joy of my faith in Christ. Has my walk of faith been perfect all of these years? I wish that my answer could be to the affirmative, but that is not possible. Just like all of us, Christians and non-Christians alike, I have had many struggles, trials, experienced uncertainties, fears, and discouragement. There have been times when I did not follow God's leading as I should have. I have sinned and fallen short of where I should have been in my walk with the Lord Jesus. And, I have been broken.
There are many things I would do over if I could, but I can't. However, I have found that God is faithful and stands ready to forgive us of our sins and help us to get safely back on the path that is best for us. It is a path that will honor Him and bring glory to His name. It is a place where we know that without Him we fail miserably. Therefore, because of our trust in Him and reliance on Him, our faith is made stronger each day.
Tonight, while reading 2 Corinthians, Chapters 11 and 12, I was reminded that it is through our weaknesses that God makes us strong. This happens so that we might not boast of ourselves, but of Christ. He is there in the midst of each hurt or fear, uncertain health issue, or each misstep that we make. How wonderful to know that when we stand firm in our faith and rely on His strength instead of our own, He will lift us up--all for His glory--just the way it should be!!
The song below by The Collingsworth Family entitled, "I Found It All", expresses what my heart feels. To sum it up, I am a sinner saved by the grace of God who found it all when I met Jesus. In spite of my own shortcomings, God has blessed me way beyond what I deserve. That is how much He loves me.
Through God's Word and faith in Christ, you, too, can find everything that you will need to navigate the twists and turns of this life. You will experience deeper joy in your heart than you have ever known; find strength that you need on the bad days; and more importantly, you will have the assurance of eternal life when you leave this world. Please remember this: God never forgets you. He loves you. You are created in His image and more than anything, He wants a relationship with you through His Son, Jesus. He is always there. He is always faithful. Great is His faithfulness!
Prayer: Father, God, I love You. Thank you for being the perfect Father--a Father who loves Your children and never gives up on us. Thank you for the many promises found in Your Word. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who shows us the truth of Your Word. We are so thankful that Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. May our burning desire be to follow You in all ways, all the days of our lives. Help us to speak passionately to others of what You have done for us. I ask that You bless each person reading these words and help those who have not already done so, to find all they will ever need in the person of Your Son, Jesus. This I pray in His name--the name above all names. Amen.
Powerful song Carolyn! It brought tears to my eyes!
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