If you know, you know. You’ve heard that and no doubt seen the trendy #hashtag. Life, however, can be unsettling when you don’t know about certain matters. I’ve dealt with my share of doubt regarding my calling, God-given abilities, worth, and yes, even my salvation.
I’m almost certain I haven’t mentioned that in this space before. However, my recent struggle with doubt prompted me to write for two reasons: first, James 5:16, and the promise of healing, and second, I believe nothing is in vain. God can use this part of my story just as any other.
As I have shared before, I do have a testimony of salvation. Of course, at the age of six, I didn’t understand much, but I knew I needed Jesus. In fact, that is the only thing I can clearly remember my first-grade self praying, “I need Jesus.” And I did, for salvation, and I do today for – everything! I am needy and undone, as Isaiah said. But praise God, salvation is that simple. I didn’t have to know everything. I just needed to call out to Jesus in child-like faith. Romans 10:13 assures me that, “Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.” Oh, I am so thankful it doesn’t say “might”, “could be”, or “if __________ , can be” saved. God’s promise of salvation is sure. Praise the Lord, whosoever included this little girl.
At that age, all I knew was that I needed what the preacher was talking about—Jesus! Even though I wasn’t living an overtly sinful lifestyle, the Holy Spirit helped me recognize who I was (a sinner) and what Jesus had done for me. What I struggled to grasp for years was that God already knew the person I would become at 16, 26, and 36 years old. He knew the mistakes I would make, and they didn’t surprise Him. The amazing part is that it didn’t matter to Him; He loves me and offered me His salvation despite that foreknowledge. Isn’t that incredible? Romans 5:8 expresses it this way: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (emphasis added)
Beloved, that is a wonderful TRUTH! Truth, the enemy would love you never to hear or believe.
In my journey through various types of doubt, which I would love to share in my upcoming posts, I have come to realize that my salvation is settled. Hallelujah! My sanctification, however, is a journey until I meet Jesus. As such, the enemy seeks to sow doubt and undermine God’s Word all along the way. Satan knows that if he can shake me, it will create a burden of emotions, confusion, and disbelief that will eventually cripple my ability to be rooted or grow. These lies will hinder my obedience and opportunity to reach my full potential in the Lord.
I take great confidence in the words of James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Praise the Lord, He isn’t going to change His mind or love me any differently than the day He saved me. My salvation never depended on me. It was all Jesus. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5, emphasis added)
Over the next few weeks, I want to continue with this topic, because being settled and sure is an important aspect to staying steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding for the glory of the Lord. Which is our goal, amen? I believe this issue is more common than we might think and is often battled in isolation, which only makes matters worse. So please, if this was a blessing to you, share it. You never know who might need assurance.
