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Your Life: How will it turn out?
Every one of us has a life story. Chapter one begins
at birth and the last chapter ends at death. In between, it is filled with
happiness, sadness, success, or failure. How is your story going? How will it end?
God is interested in your life story.
God created you (Ps. 139:13-14). He knows you
(Ps. 139:1-3). He loves you (John 3:16). He has a plan for you (John 10:10).
God wants to fill your life story with meaning now and to give you His
gift of eternal life!
Why then are most people not experiencing the full and meaningful
life that God offers?
People miss out on a life of purpose and meaning
because they attempt to write their own story. When we write our own story,
it can never be pleasing to God.
Our sin separates us from God.
The Bible says that the payment for sin is death
(Roman 6:23). Because of sin, the final chapter of our story ends in
defeat in this life, and separation and suffering in the afterlife.
BUT God loves us and has provided a way for us to experience forgiveness
of sin, abundant life here, and everlasting life in heaven.
What is the secret to receiving these gifts?
The secret is found in Jesus. He can change your life story!
Jesus is God (John 1:1-2, 14). He died on the cross
for us (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He is the only way to God (John 14:6).
Jesus wants to be the Author of your life story!
How do you make Jesus the Author of your life story?
The Bible says that we must individually receive
Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. John 1:12 says, “But a many as
received him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.”
This means that you must turn from your sin and self and turn to God.
This is what the Bible calls repentance. It is not just feeling sorry for
our sin; repentance is turning to God through Jesus and away from our sin.
You must place your faith (trust) in Him.
The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are
you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.” It is not enough just to know the
facts about Jesus. Faith is trusting in Jesus.
Would you like to trust Jesus as the Author of your life story?
The Bible says if you confess with your mouth that Jesus
is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved” (Roman 10:9). If you want to trust Jesus as the Author
of your life story, you can express that to Him through prayer.
Use the following prayer as a guide:
Dear Jesus, I want to follow you. I turn from my
sin and place my trust in You alone and ask for Your forgiveness. Right now,
I receive Your gift of eternal life and confess You as Lord. Thank You for
loving me and dying for me. Thank You for giving me new life.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Used by permission, North American Mission Board, “Your Life: A New Beginning.”)
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