A Changed Life

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. REVELATION 1:5 – 6

I’d like to share with you about a gentleman I’ve known for more than 20 years.  I’ve seen him at his lowest. I’ve seen him when his life was falling apart, when he was considering ending his time here on earth. I’ve seen him gather up the pieces, get back on track and start to thrive, then come tumbling down after the loss of his son. He isn’t someone I’d call a friend, more of an acquaintance that I’ve gotten to know over the years.

In the last several months, I’ve seen him walking along Division several times. I wanted to stop and say “Hi,” to thank him for his family’s sacrifice that many wouldn’t have considered on Memorial Day. Time just hadn’t allowed.

Last week, I was headed home and saw him walking down the sidewalk. I pulled over, stepped out of the car and waited as he approached. We talked for about 15 minutes. He was clean shaven, his hair was combed and styled, clothes were clean. He looked well. He was proud to tell me he had been drug and alcohol free for over two years. He had a full-time job and was moving into his own apartment within the week.

As we talked, I noticed he was wearing a silver chain with several crosses around his neck. When I asked, he proudly proclaimed he had been saved by God’s grace and was a new man.  I had helped him with transportation to the Mission many times over the years.  One of many times at the Mission, he chose to make a change, to listen and apply what was being preached. My heart leapt with joy.

In the Book of Revelation, John writes “to him be glory and power for ever and ever.” John praises Christ by acknowledging his eternal glory and power. Like the gentleman on the sidewalk, John enthusiastically proclaims his adoration for his Lord and Savior.

What has Christ done for you? How has he changed your life? When hearing dramatic conversion testimonies, we may downplay our relationship with God and what we can do for him because our stories are not nearly as dramatic. I know I’ve been tempted not to share my typical “grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ as a child” story.

Many hesitate to tell others about Christ because they don’t feel that the changes in their lives have been spectacular enough. But we should witness for Christ because of what he has done for us, not because of what we have done for him.

Think about it. Christ demonstrated his great love by freeing you from your sins through his death on the cross, guaranteeing you a place in his kingdom. The fact that the all-powerful God gives you eternal life is nothing short of spectacular.

Remember, even if you were the only person on earth, Jesus would have still willingly gone to the cross as a sacrifice for your sins.

Praise God through your words and works. Don’t hesitate to share your unique story with others.

PRAYER – Jesus, thank you for …

Pastor Victor