Jesus Saves

I make mistakes all of the time! Some small and others, very, very large. I try not to do what I shouldn't do, but then I end up doing it anyway! (This may sound like a Romans 7:15-24 message, but it isn't! A great passage to read nonetheless!) I can't tell you how many times I've gotten myself into woeful things and, by God's grace, have gotten out of it. Jesus has saved and delivered me so many times! I'm not talking about Him saving me from others, which He has also done. But so many times, He's had to save me from MYSELF! From the lousy choices that I've made, or from my bad habits or sin. Over and over again, He saves me and continues to do so!

You may be wondering what sort of things I have gotten myself into. One of those things is debt. I am not wealthy by any means, but I've blown through a lot of the money that I had, and even money that I didn't have. I've stacked up expenses on my credit cards, buying things I couldn't afford. Only to pay it off, so that I could use it all over again. I've bought numerous, unnecessary items, just for that quick hit of instant gratification. Retail therapy is what they call it. I've purchased shoes, makeup, purses, and clothing....just to name a few. Many of those items sat around, unused and collecting dust, or I ended up giving them away. I still feel guilt and shame for my poor spending habits.

In addition, I used to smoke cigarettes. The first time I smoked was in fifth grade. Then, I started smoking off and on from about 7th grade until my early twenties. I wasn't addicted, but I craved them. Thankfully, I didn't have to have them, so I never had trouble quitting. I was never a drinker either; I just don't like the taste of alcohol. It wasn't something that I could ever fully get into. I've experimented with other drugs as well, but I never liked the feeling of "letting loose". I just never felt like myself and had a strong desire to be in control. I never wanted anything or anyone, other than myself, to be in control of my body.

I have also had very negative thoughts, not just about myself but about others. I've had low self-esteem and often wanted to become someone who I wasn't. I was jealous of others and envied their lives, wanting what I perceived that they had: happiness, beauty, being loved, etc. I didn't like a lot of people and truly didn't like myself. I had loads of shame, insecurities, and anger. My thoughts were not only negative, they were distorted and deceitful. I'm sure some of those thoughts were planted by Satan, but many of them I thought myself, letting my negative thoughts, about myself and others, spiral out of control. Had God not corrected this and showed me His truth, it would have quickly spun out of control.

God has also saved my relationships, not just my marriage but also with family and friends. He's saved me from my pride, teaching me how to be humble, apologize, be accountable and make things right. I used to be a very short-tempted person and someone who liked to gossip and talk bad about people. I admit, I still fall into these traps sometimes. However, if God didn't show me who I truly was, or how I was truly acting, I think I would have lost and broken many more relationships/friendships.

As you can see, God has saved me from my self-destructive behaviors, thoughts, and actions. Thank goodness God loves me and therefore He disciplines me (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6). I am so thankful that God accepts me, all of me, the good, bad, and ugly! I am also thankful that He hasn't given up on me. I make mistakes all of the time, over and over, but He continues to show me His love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and kindness! I am thankful that no matter how great my sins are, He still loves me. I can ask Him for forgiveness and He is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness (Psalm 145:8). Without God, I would be much worse, more wretched, miserable, and deep in bondage. But because of Jesus, I am saved; I am a new person! ...anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17). HALLELUJAH, PRAISE GOD!

Thus, in the spirit of Easter, I wanted to share some examples of how Jesus has saved me. I know this won't be the last time, because I will continue to make mistakes....for the rest of my life. It's inevitable! But, thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:25). I am not special, not better, nor more deserving than anyone else. Jesus cannot only deliver or save me, He can also deliver and save you! Just ask!

The worse that could happen is that nothing changes. However, the best that can happen is that you meet Jesus and He sets you free! Christ died for you and me, for all of us. It doesn't matter how bad you think you are, it isn't God's will than anyone perish (2 Peter 3:9). These are just a few of the many ways Jesus has saved me. It'd take a lot more time to tell you everything, but my hope is that this post has inspired you, and given you the courage to ask Jesus for help! He is waiting and ready to help.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the countless times You have saved me. I'm sure there are times You've saved me that I am not even aware of. Not just that, thank You for saving me from death and hell. I thank You for cleansing me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Lord, You know each person who is reading this blog. I pray that You will save and deliver them, just as You have for me! There's nothing that You cannot do! You know right where they are and exactly what they need. In fact, YOU are what they need. Show Yourself to them, reveal Yourself, give them an experience. Touch them, heal them, bless them, minister to them. Dispatch Your heavenly angels to protect them, and cleanse them with Your precious, precious blood Jesus. I thank You so much for what You have done for me and for what You will do for them. May You refresh us and give us each a new and personal revelation of Your truth and love, a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Easter. We praise You. Have Your way and let Your Will be done. In Jesus' Great name, amen.

Prayerfully,

Pam