At the end of chapter 4, Mr Lucado gives an excellent example of trusting someone else to save us as he talks about the Chilean miners who were trapped for two months underground. Like them, the author says of us, “We need someone to penetrate this world and pull us out.” (p49) This is what Jesus did. This is what Grace still does. Sadly, Mr Lucado notes, “We find it easier to trust the miracle of resurrection than the miracle of grace….Attempts at self-salvation guarantee nothing but exhaustion.” (p49) God’s rest. It can only come when we give up this lie that we have to be perfect. As I have shared before, the Lord told me a long time ago, “Child, I am not looking for perfection. I have already found that in My one and only Begotten Son.” What God does want is for us to rest in His loving arms. To trust Him with everything, and in everything.
Jesus said He did not come to judge the world but to save the world…to save us…to save me! (see Jn 12:47) As we said the other day, we need to learn to make Scripture personal. By God’s Grace, through Faith, I, (fill in your name here), am saved, now and forevermore. (see Eph 2:8) And now that this huge obstacle is taken away, I can simply live love. In this way, I can show others who God is. This world is desperate for something different. Living a peaceful life, even in the midst of trials and darkness, is different. This is the Rest of God that we all crave, and to have it, is simply a matter of receiving it from God. Trusting in His Grace is all we really need to “do.” This is surrender. And this is the Abundant Life.
I urge you, if you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, won’t you do that today? Just pray something like:
Lord, I have tried to control my own life for so long and it just isn’t working. The peace and joy I crave are momentary at best. And I realize it is because I am a sinful human in need of a Savior. I want Your Grace and receive it right now as an act of Faith. Thank You for loving me, Father. Thank You for paying my sin debt, Jesus. And thank You, Holy Spirit, for coming into my heart and making me New. By Your Grace, I am saved. Hallelujah and amen!
If you have been saved for a while, but are still not enjoying the Abundant Life as much as you would like, then won’t you surrender further to the Grace that God has already given you? Stop trying, and start trusting. Live for Him instead of for yourself. Then do all you can to simply rest in His Love. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1Ti 6:6:) Let this be our goal, to the glory of God!
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
<>< Peace, Diane
