I was raised in church. I do not remember a time where I did not know about Jesus or have an exposure to learning about the Bible. I firmly believe I had accepted Jesus into my heart. However, like many teenagers, I struggled with the understanding and application of spiritual concepts. How could God be a 3 in 1? Why is the world such a dark place? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why did Jesus have to die?
In college, I found myself involved in Campus Crusade for Christ. The Lord used that organization as a medium for me to get back on the spiritual path He had laid out for me. With a re-dedication of my life (and my heart), I found the hope and security that I needed in my life. I have a purpose, and I can find peace in that.
How can you find the purpose and the peace that God intended for you?
Well, first there are four basic truths for you to understand.
- God Loves You and He has a wonderful Plan for your life!
This truth is life changing, but simple. You are loved.- "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
- Jesus said "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10b
- We all sin. This sin causes a separation from God, who is perfect and Holy.
This truth of separation is a little harder for many to process. How can man be inherently bad? Don't most all of us have good intentions? Yes, we may. However, we cannot be perfect and this starts from birth. Try thinking of it this way: You do not have to teach a child to disobey. You may love your child more than life itself and show him or her nothing but that love from birth. However, a child exercises free will and has a natural tendency for selfishness. God is Holy. Perfect. We can never be as perfect as God, no matter how hard we try or how good our intentions are.
- "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23
- Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through Him you can know and experience God's Love and Plan for your life.
Our separation required a perfect sacrifice to bridge the gap between man and God. God sent Jesus to earth to be that sacrifice. Jesus was perfect. He was tempted, but He never sinned.
- "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
- "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6
- We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's Love and Plan for our lives.
It seems like it should be more complicated, but it is not. All we have to do to be saved is to Ask, Believe and Confess.- "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9
- Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him," Revelation 3:20a
"Lord, I need You. I thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and welcome you in as my Savior and my Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life in Your kingdom. Please take control of the throne of my life. Mold me into the kind of person that You desire for me to be. Amen."
Does this prayer express the desires of your heart? If so please pray it now so that Christ will fill the void in your life, as He promised to. If you have more questions please contact me. I will be glad to help you in any way that I can.
One final thought. Too often we struggle to fix things ourselves. Our struggle is ultimately in vain. God does not promise things will be easy, but He promises that He will be with us throughout our journey. All you need to do is to make the choice to let Him.
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