Introduction
Suppose you had a deadly form of cancer and there was no cure. Then one day you discovered a cure, received it, and were completely healed. Wouldn't you want other people with that same disease to know what you had discovered?
Of course you would. You would want to point them to the same help that had changed your life. That is the reason for sharing this story.
My Story
At first, I did not want to admit that something was wrong with me. I had the feeling that my life was not quite right. Nothing satisfied me for very long. I had an empty feeling and was continually searching for something that would truly fulfill me.
Eventually, I came to understand that my deepest problem was spiritual. The Bible calls it sin. Sin had separated me from God and affected me morally and spiritually. Guilt weighed on me, and spiritual blindness kept me from understanding the things of God. I wanted little to do with people who talked about Him because it all seemed foolish to me.
What I did not understand was that this separation from God kept me from knowing His peace and enjoying the abundant life He desires for us. I had no lasting hope because I was living apart from Him.
Then I learned about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He came into the world to reconcile sinners to God through His death on the cross. He shed His blood for our sins, and God raised Him from the dead. Through Jesus Christ, I discovered that peace with God was possible.
Jesus offered me forgiveness and a place in God's family. I received His gift of grace by faith. My sins were forgiven, and I received the promise of eternal life.
Jesus Christ became more than a name to me. He became my Creator, Redeemer, Savior, Lord, and friend.
Now I know the peace of God through Jesus Christ. His Spirit lives within me, leading, teaching, correcting, strengthening, and comforting me. He helps me through life's struggles and gives me hope for the future.
I no longer face life as I once did. I know that I belong to Christ, and I am grateful for His mercy, His lovingkindness, and the fellowship of His people.
I am forever grateful.
What Changed?
I did not save myself. I did not earn God's acceptance. I received what Jesus Christ had already accomplished for me through His death and resurrection.
Grace was not a reward for becoming good enough. Grace was God's gift to someone who needed saving.
Conclusion
This same peace with God is available to everyone. No person's background, education, wealth, failures, sins, or past rebellion can put them beyond the reach of God's grace.
The one thing a person can do is refuse His offer. God invites us to receive forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
The question for every person is personal: Where will you spend eternity?
God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ is offered now, during this life. Our response to that offer has eternal significance.