This Sentence Saved My Life

Day 7

Have you ever thought about the fact that the specific sins you, insert your full name, have committed were the reason for Jesus' brutal suffering and ultimate death? There is a similar sentence in Max Lucado's book, 3:16--The Numbers of Hope, which lead to my immediate salvation. The INSTANT I read that line with MY name in it, I felt the weight of every sin I have chosen to partake in, each one flashing before my eyes, taking me on a painful journey (from childhood, to high school, to college, and beyond). And in turn, I pictured Jesus enduring another blood-splattering lash, or the crown of thorns being pounded deeper into his already scarlet-strewn head, or His gut-wrenching scream as a nail punctured His wrist--because I, Ashley Ross, dishonored my parents, because I disobeyed the law, because I did not love others as I loved myself, because I did not value my purity, because of my pride, and on and on it goes. He endured that because of MY sins, MY actions, that I chose! God allowed Jesus to undergo this unthinkable treatment and He suffered witnessing the tragic death of his only child so that I, Ashley Ashcraft, will be welcomed into the glorious gates of Heaven and into His loving arms for all of eternity. Breathless, that I mean that much to God. And so do you!

After I felt the weight of my sins in that moment, I repented. I confessed my sins to Christ, determined to turn from my old ways and put on my new self, created to be like God (Ephesians 4:22-24). The path to peace and contentment starts with recognizing our sins and confessing them to God. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." You are then washed clean and completely forgiven. It's that simple, amazingly! However, we must remember it's that simple for US because of what HE endured on the cross. 

40 Day Challenge--Day 7:

Repent. Confess your sins to God and be washed clean in His mercy. Remember that sin is sin in the Lord's eyes and we have ALL sinned, falling short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23); not one of us is exempt. Ask for His forgiveness, which He will grant, and bask in the grace that only God can give. If needed, ask him for guidance in forgiving yourself. Lastly, thank God for the sacrifice of His son, which he made for YOU, insert your full name.