Salvation

“But now, a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:21-24

Today I went to the funeral of a larger-than-life man. A man who commanded the room he stood in. A man whose voice and laugh demanded your attention and your respect. Everyone knew him. When everyone knows you, your accomplishments are well-known too. When everyone knows you, your weaknesses are hard to hide.

Today I read a blog entry of a much younger man who looks back on 30 years of never feeling like he’s done enough, to be good enough. Should have practiced more, should have prepared more, should have…, should have… But he’s tired of that now.

Every day I talk with fellow moms who struggle with an insecurity. My daughter is falling behind... what did I not do? My husband is never home… what can I say to him? My son doesn’t stand up for himself, my bills are too high, my mom is never impressed…!!!!!

We walk around giving the impression that we have it all together, the entire time wondering why it seems like everyone else has it so together and we feel so inadequate. We have our good days. But some of our bad days are so hard.

After being diagnosed with cancer, the man who commanded the room used that command – every opportunity he got - to share his thanks to God for the salvation that was his. Everyone knew him, so everyone heard how thankful he was – how sure he was that “a righteousness from God had been made known.” We have all sinned and fall short. No matter how much we plan. No matter how much we prepare. There will always be something more we could have done.

I stood in church today and grateful tears ran down my cheeks when I thought of the hard days that are so real to us, and the saving grace from Jesus that is so real to us too. Days like today it all makes sense. We can’t get it done. But Jesus can. And he does. Thank you, Lord, for your grace.

Dear Lord, Today I pray that you will awaken me to my true strength – I have been redeemed. I cannot do it all, I cannot be everything. But I can trust in you, when things go right and when things go wrong. I can model this trust to my children and teach them about the grace of our Savior. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.