He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 (NIV)
We have a long way to go if we want to “prove” God loves us. There is no formula for belief. It is based on trust and faith. It is understanding the Cross was not the easy way; it was the only way. It got the attention of early believers, and continues to do so. Our minister pointed out in a recent sermon that we learn from the painful Holy Week journey of Christ. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done,” he prayed (Luke 22:42 NIV). Jesus knew what he was getting into, but he did it anyway. For me. For you. This is not a message meant to bring us down, but to remind us that sometimes what we want most in life lies on the other side of pain, of discipline, of doing the hard thing. Resurrection Day is joy-filled and cause for celebration, but don’t forget what it took to get there. Love beyond reason, faith beyond fact. God never said, “Believe in me and everything in your life will be perfect.” He did say, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).
I am a seeker, not a saint; a believer not a proselytizer. Your thoughtful comments are welcome.
Sharon Vander Meer 