In two recent messages, we have been encouraged that as we begin to view our life more from God’s perspective – an eternal perspective – our heavy burdens can seem “Light and Momentary” and we can find purpose even in our “Times of Waiting.” But this view of life cannot be obtained apart from belief in Jesus Christ. The life changing benefit of God’s perspective can only be found through a clear understanding of His gospel message. And His gospel changes everything!
The gospel message is one of hope which says, God loves us and has an ETERNAL plan for our life through faith in His Son Jesus. Without the hope of the gospel, we would continue to live a life of emptiness and an eternity separated from God. Even if we stumbled onto temporary fulfillment – even if our burden was made light – without the gospel our life would end without hope.
But as we place our trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sin, He lifts us up, gives our life new meaning, and transforms us into a new creation through the power of His Spirit.
Psalm 40:1-2
“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
These words were written by King David over one thousand years before the death and resurrection of Jesus. And yet, they provide an excellent illustration of the hope found in the message of Salvation.
In our sinful nature, we all “have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). Our nature is to follow our own sinful desires and walk down paths which cause us to “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Each of us have been firmly embedded in the mire of sin and none of us can climb out of the slimy pit with our own strength; we have no ability to build eternal hope!
But praise God that before the creation of the world He loved us and had a plan to bring us back to Himself, a plan to rescue us; “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The death and resurrection of Jesus allows us victory over sin and creates a way out of the mud; “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
If we truly desire to be clean and live with hope and a new view of life, we must call out to Jesus and believe He is who He claimed to be: our Savior and Lord! If we will trust Him and cry out in faith, He has promised to hear our cry and lift us up. He will pour His cleansing love upon us and fill us with purpose! He will set our feet for all eternity upon Himself and we will forever stand on solid ground.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Nov 25 Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:10-4:6; Psalm 119:71-80; Proverbs 28:14
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