Today's Devotion

One of the presents I got this year is Walking with Christ Every Day, a devotional book. Today, a passage struck me as so true.

Today, some of the hardest groups of people to reach are not the Jews but those
who have gone to church all their lives, are familiar with the Gospel story, converse
using spiritual cliches, and sing the traditional hymns of faith from memory, yet
have never truly placed their faith in Jesus Christ. - Anne Graham Lotz

The sad truth is that the commentary is so right. At times like this, I recognize how blessed I am to know the difference God has made in my life. Growing up as far as possible from the church has allowed me to embrace Jesus with an enthusiasm that some Christians find almost distasteful. I have seen God work in my life and I am so grateful for the changes He has wrought. I struggle with imparting this truth I know in my very being to those that have "known Him" their entire lives:

• the truth that He can make a difference
• the truth that he wants to be intimately connected to them
• the truth that he loves them just as they are
• the truth that he will radically change their lives and their hearts if only they let him

I struggle with putting into words just what a difference God will make if only He is allowed to truly reside within the deep confines of their hearts. But the struggle is worth it as glimpses of hope become stronger and trust is formed and baby steps are taken.

I am so thankful that I know from whence I came and I anticipate where God will take me next. This thing called life is an exciting journey and even though it is hard sometimes, I have someone that I can turn to in all things. That makes all the difference.