In Christ Alone

In Christ Alone. Powerful words spoken by Pastor Ryan Britt as he addressed a bunch of single adults this past weekend. They really resonated with me for some reason. As many of you know, a relationship with the Lord is new to me. I was exposed to church as a child, but not taught how to have a personal relationship with the One who created me. I think that my view on God and what it means to be in a relationship with Him is fresh, clean, untarnished by years of good intentioned misguiding. Maybe that is why 'In Christ Alone' hit home.

I am constantly impressed that God sought me out. He came to find me and pursed me until I couldn't ignore His call anymore. It baffles me to this day. Why did He want me? Why did He get so loud in His pursuit? Why did He try so hard? I hadn't done much to make Him proud in my life. I had turned my back on Him more times than I could count without even knowing it. His grace, faithfulness, and unending mercy blows my mind. I don't deserve it. None of us do.

So, what does 'In Christ Alone' really mean to me? I think Ryan Britt was able to articulate what I have felt since I gave my heart to Christ. I have a great job that I am successful at. I get to work in a field I love, encourage people, think and be challenged daily. Why? Because God allows it. I was able to quit smoking cold turkey after 12 years of addiction. How? Because I prayed and God answered. I was able to walk out of a challenging past into a peaceful and hopeful future, how? Because God loves me. Nothing I do is of me. Nothing. Everything that I am, think, do, feel, experience and accomplish is from Him.

It is not my life. It is a gift of time from the Lord. A gift to treasure and not take for granted. I don't do what I do to because I want to be good to go to heaven. I couldn't do enough good with my time here to even come close to earning at ticket into heaven. None of us can. But, I will spend my life thanking God for His undeserving gifts in my life. I will try everyday to be even slightly worthy of His affections. I cannot even begin to understand the love He has for all of us, even those far from Him. I'm just in awe. In Christ Alone all things are possible. Thank you God.