Embrace the Race: Persevering Through Challenging TimesSample

It's Time

There comes a time for us when we need to choose if we will respond to Jesus Christ. Paul being a Pharisee, felt he was serving God in everything he did. He persecuted Christians in God's name, believing he was doing the right thing. It took God striking him down on the road and making him temporarily blind for him to see the actual condition of his own heart. Once confronted with the fact he was in direct opposition to God, he had a choice to make to either repent or harden his heart. We thank God he chose to receive Jesus as his Lord and savior. 

The same opportunity presented to Paul is also available to us. Perhaps some of you have been studying Christianity for a long time but have yet to commit to Jesus. Maybe you know some things in your life are not right with God, but you don't feel ready to make Jesus Lord of these areas. Once Paul received Jesus as his Lord and Savior, his life and actions changed dramatically. He turned from a bitter persecutor of Christians to a man God used to do many signs, miracles, and wonders. Through his ministry, thousands of people came to Jesus.  

Paul was far from perfect when he had his encounter with Jesus. Paul said of himself later in 1 Timothy, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." Often, many people wait until they can get their lives together before they commit their lives to Jesus. They want to get themselves cleaned up on their own before they come to God. I want to encourage you Jesus died to save sinners. He accepts you just as you are and is ready and waiting to receive you! I want to encourage you by repeating what Jesus said to Paul, "What are you waiting for?" Today is the perfect day to allow Jesus to come into your life.

Daily Challenge

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner.  I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I thank you for this sacrifice you made for me. I want to repent of all wrongs I have done, and I ask you to forgive me.  I am turning from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I choose today to follow you all the days of my life, in Jesus' name, Amen.