It’s time.
I didn’t hear the words, but I felt them just as surely as if God Himself had tapped me on the shoulder and given me a tender nudge.
Heart pounding, palms sweaty, I scooted out of bed and made my way down the dark hallway in my nightgown toward the clink and splash of dishes being washed in the kitchen.
Squinting against the light, I shuffled into the room and announced, “I need to be saved.”
Now, I don’t remember many conversational specifics beyond that point—I was only six—but I do remember waiting with my understandably cautious mother for my dad to get home from a business trip. When he did, we sat in the living room for a long time reviewing Bible truth so he could make sure I knew what I was doing, why I needed to be saved, and what being saved would require of me.
I did, so we prayed. With my father’s help, I confessed my sin, accepted God’s forgiveness, and gave Jesus control of my life.
Right there, in the middle of my living room, I passed from death to life. The old me died, the Holy Spirit took up residence in my heart, and I have never been the same.
Yes, I still struggle to resist temptation sometimes and give in to sin like everyone else, but God has never left me. Instead, He has given me victory in, over, and through those struggles when/as I repent, continue to cooperate with Him, and obey Him, reassuring me I’m His and that He loves me nonetheless.
UGH! God is so good, people. I CAN’T WAIT to celebrate what He did for me this Easter Sunday!
A former pastor of mine once called Easter the Church’s holiday, and the more I think about it, the more I have to agree. Who but those who have found peace with God really have anything to celebrate on that day (Romans 5:1)?
Easter trappings are nice and all—parties, pastels, pastries, and pretty clothing—but they don’t have anything to do with where a person spends eternity.
The Easter story, however, does.
It’s about a merciful, gracious Heavenly Father who loved a traitor race by sending His beloved, sinless Son to set us free from sin so we could live with Him forever, enjoying the kind of peace, purpose, joy, freedom, and intimacy for which we were so carefully designed.
It’s about Jesus, an obedient Son, Who left the glory of Heaven and took on flesh to please His Father, endured hardship and lived a sinless life to remain an acceptable sacrifice and become an effective mediator for us, died a gruesome death on the cross He didn’t deserve to pay the penalty for our sin, and then rose again to give us eternal life so God would be praised.
It’s about the Holy Spirit, Who shows us our sin—things in our lives that don’t match God’s will and character—so we’ll see our need for a Savior, draws our hearts to God through the telling of the Gospel so we’ll consider letting God rescue us, and then gives us the faith to accept God’s forgiveness so God’s Kingdom will grow.
Bottom line? Easter Sunday is for celebrating the rescue, victory, and eternal life found by those who have responded properly to the Easter story by accepting God’s forgiveness made possible through Jesus and surrendering control of their lives to Him.
What about you? Do you have reason to celebrate this Easter Sunday?
If not, it’s not too late! If you hear God saying, It’s time, use the following example prayer to express your thoughts and desires to Him. Remember, the words themselves aren’t magic. If you don’t mean them, saying them won’t do anything for you, so wait until you do.
Dear God, I know you’re perfect and I’m not.
I know there are things in my life that don’t match your will and character and that those things separate me from you now and forever.
I know I deserve to be punished for this sin, but I also know you love me and sent your Son Jesus to rescue me.
I believe Jesus was sinless. I believe He died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin and set me free. I also believe He rose from the grave and conquered death to give me eternal life.
I humbly accept the forgiveness for sin you made possible through Jesus and give you complete control of my life now and forever.
Thank you, Father, for washing me clean, rescuing me, and adopting me into your family. I can’t wait to know you better and start loving you back like you deserve! Amen.
If you just prayed this prayer, CONGRATULATIONS! You are a child of God now and forever with every reason to celebrate. Please contact the person who shared this post and let them know so they can celebrate with you and help you connect with others who can encourage you and help you grow in your new faith.
Brothers and sisters, whether you just became a Christian or have been walking with Jesus for a while now, I invite you to celebrate Easter with me this year by sharing your story.
When did you pass from death to life? When was your personal Easter? Speak up!
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