Freedom — For Good Works – Thursday
TODAY’S VERSE
Galatians 3:26
For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of listening to a young girl explain why she wanted to be baptized. Through overwhelming tears, she said, “All I know is that Jesus died for me, and He is my Lord and Savior.” She didn’t have the words to describe the transformation she was experiencing in her heart, but she had faith to know that it was God calling her to be His child. This young girl knew that wherever God would lead her, she would follow Him. That’s what it means to have faith.
When I walked away from the conversation, I was in awe of her display of faith. A faith that doesn’t have all the answers and is still content. A faith excited to jump into a relationship with Jesus and know Him deeper. A faith refreshed by the Gospel story. A faith chosen all by herself because of Christ. And all it took was open hands and a heart willing to believe in who God is and all He’s done.
To be called a child of God is the greatest name you could ever have. Being a child allows you to release control. Being a child allows you to stop striving. Being a child allows you to be fully known and fully loved while under the protection of Someone greater than you. This barely scratches the surface of what we get to experience when we receive the name child of God.
I have learned that faith can be the only explanation for getting through the hard seasons. When it seems like everything is against you, faith in Someone bigger than yourself can change the way you battle through it. No matter what situation you have been through or are going through right now, you have a Father who is proud to walk with you and weep alongside you. You can know that having faith in the One True God means He can be your refuge, your protection, your Warrior fighting for you, and your Father who comforts you all at the same time. Having faith that is anchored in Jesus will always lead you to a deeper relationship with the Father. Oh, how sweet that is!!
APPLICATION
During his sermon, Scott asked the question: “What in your life is only explainable by your faith in God?” Carve out some time to write down 1 or 2 scenarios in your life that were marked by deep faith in God. Place this somewhere you can refer to during life’s hardships as a reminder of His faithfulness.
PRAYER
Father, when my faith falls short, catch me with Your grace and hide me under Your wings. Strengthen my faith even when it feels strong to me. Make me more reliant on You for all things. You are good, and I choose to believe that today and forevermore.