God Won't Quit
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 1:3-9
This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power.
—1 Peter 1:4-5
Larry, one of our church elders, was talking to John, a very religious man. John said his father was beginning to have dementia and was now, uncharacteristically, using language he would never have used before. He was not in his right mind.
John shook his head sadly, and said to Larry, “It’s such a shame. My dad lived so faithfully for God all his life, but now, after all that, he’s going to end up in hell.”
Much Christian unhappiness results from such a view of the Bible’s teaching. Many good Christians fear that their next misstep, their next sin, will cause God to change his heavenly plans for them.
However, as Peter teaches, we are shielded by God’s power, and we are kept in his heavenly grace. We are weak and wobbly, but God is faithful. This is good news—powerfully good.
All Christians fall into sin, go through times of rebellion, are overcome with weariness or bitterness, and suffer mental illness. Sometimes we just lose it.
If salvation were all up to me and my power, I would surely be lost.
But it is not by our own strength that we are saved!
Trust God with this. Trust him, and in that moment of relief, be truly happy.
God, hold me close today and always. Often I get lost. Don’t leave me to my own devices, and lead me safely home. For Jesus sake, Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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