Sunday, November 10, 2024

It's Not Too Late

It’s not too late to become what you could have been.  This is an odd statement, isn’t it?  I look back on my life and regretfully see many years that I walked without peace, and at times feeling alone in a crowd.

It’s sad when a person takes inventory of their yesteryears, looking for a hint of something to bring a smile to their face, but fail in their effort because happy memories are few and far between.  Though I regret those years, I’m glad the past is in the past now that I am a born-again Christian.

(2 Corinthians 5:17), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

You may be experiencing a similar journey with feelings like mine, while sensing that you are walking alone without God in your corner.  Take my word for it, it’s not too late to become what you could have been.

For me, it is sometimes difficult to make sense of things that are behind me and why they happened as they did, but there is hope for anyone desiring a new beginning and a decisive direction to travel, having less stress.

Though the past may be filled with questions and angst, Jesus is wanting to become the special friend (BFF) that will never leave nor forsake a person that is seeking peace that passes all understanding.  The Lord will walk by their side through thick and thin, good times and bad.

It is advantageous to take a moment and consider what has been missing in one’s personal circle or environment in days gone by.  Examining oneself will open the door to positive changes that can be made for future enjoyment.

If anyone is contemplating what could be, compared to what has been, I believe the Holy Spirit is dealing with that individual and desires to become their Savior and Best Friend Forever.  All they need to do is invite Jesus into their heart.  God does the rest.

I wonder at times why it took so long for me to surrender my life to the Lord, especially when everything was spiraling out of control?  I was running in the opposite direction from Him and had the attitude, “If I can’t do it, it can’t be done.”  I was independent and stubborn.

I believe if a person has breath, it is not too late to make a positive choice to become God’s child.  I’m glad I did exactly this, rather than standing before God’s judgment seat without having my sins forgiven.

A person once asked me, “Do you ever regret giving your heart to Jesus?”  The answer was an emphatic, “No!”  I then explained how I found what I was looking for, or I should say, Who I was looking for.

Prior to changing direction and going God’s way, I rejected the notion that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was the ‘Who’ that I needed.  When I invited Him into my heart and asked God to forgive my sins, peace like a river flooded my soul in fathomless depths and waves of love.

The heavy burdens that were crushing me were instantly lifted off my shoulders.  My soul was set free!  God forgave my sins!  I remember taking a deep breath and exclaiming in an excited voice, “I can breathe!”

I believe a miracle happened that night.  I became a new person with new desires and expectations for life immediately after I prayed a simple prayer for forgiveness.  It was amazing!  Jesus took every care that was pressing in on me.  I now have a blessed hope of eternal life in heaven, because of the ‘new birth’ in Christ.    

(1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Before I saw the Light, I struggled as if sinking in quicksand.  I had few memorable experiences to speak of, but Jesus, the Light of the world, made all the difference in positive ways when He rescued me.  I am creating wonderful memories for future recall.

Do you feel disquieted in your spirit at times like you are alone in a crowd or walking in circles?  It might be that you are wandering without a compass to help point you toward ‘True North’, which is a worthwhile direction to go, away from old habits and disappointments.

Perhaps you are wondering if an experience with Christ could ever happen to you.  It can and will when you accept Jesus as Lord.  I give you Jesus.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He is ‘True North’ that will present you to the Father in heaven.

Forgiveness and complete liberty are just a prayer away.  Today is the day of salvation.  It is never too late to become what you could have been yesterday in Christ Jesus.

If you sincerely want to accept Jesus as Lord and its your desire to walk in peace, having your sins forgiven; find a place where you won’t be disturbed and bow your head in prayer.  Ask God to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to come into your heart.  Believe that He has done both, and you will be saved.

(1 John 1:9), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

CONGRATULATIONS!  You have just become a child of Almighty God!  Yes, it was that easy!  All of heaven is rejoicing!  God knows your name and has a wonderful plan for your life.  Trust Him as you walk in faith.

When you get a chance, confirm your decision to follow Jesus by sharing this new-birth experience with another person.  This act of sharing confirms the spiritual transformation that took place in your heart, mind, and soul.

After my conversion, I told my friends about Jesus and the love He had to offer.  To my great and wonderful surprise, some accepted Him as Lord and Savior.  They too received the same blessed peace that filled my soul.

Your next step is to find a church that teaches that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He shed His blood on the cross to save humanity…a full gospel, believing church.

Now, find a Bible with a translation that is easy to read and understand.  I use The New King James Version.  There is a Table of Contents in the front.  Begin reading the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  Then read the Book of Acts. 

Get to know Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross for you.  Jesus died for your sins, because He loved you with a never-ending love.

(John 15:13), “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

(John 3:16-18), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (v 17) “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (v 18) “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

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