2 Corinthians 6 : 2, For He says: “In an acceptable
time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold,
now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. NKJV
I’m sure that you, like me, have had
days that started out very demanding; you had to address one issue after another.
Some matters are easy to deal with; however, there are also those that we tend
to put off until the last minute because they’re so difficult for us to tackle.
What is it that causes us to delay
making certain important decisions? As a pastor, not only have I been guilty of
procrastinating, but I have counseled many who have struggled with the stress
of making a life-altering choice. If having to make a decision causes us to be
anxious, uptight, and worried, then we need to remember what the Lord has
promised in His Word. God promised us in Hebrews 13 : 5: “I will never leave
you nor forsake you.”
When you realize this truth, and you
decide to place your trust in the Lord’s faithfulness, He can empower you to
face your fears of the unknown; and you can make the correct decision for your
life.
However, out of all the decisions that
you have made or will ever make during your lifetime, there is only “one
decision” that determines your eternal destiny. The Word of God is very clear
concerning this decision; we must all make it before we leave this earth.
Further, if we should choose not to make this decision, then we have decided
already.
I’m reminded of a passage in 2 Peter 3:9,
“The Lord is not slack
concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering
toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should
come to repentance.” The Lord is patient with us, giving us time to repent of
our sins and to turn our hearts and lives over to Him. We’re not promised
tomorrow; that is why today is the acceptable day of salvation.
Far too many
people believe they can wait until the very last minute of their lives to make
this extremely important decision. Perhaps they believe that choosing to accept
the gift of salvation will keep them from something pleasurable in this life.
If you feel this way, let me share the words of Jesus. Matthew 16 : 26 says, “For what profit is it to a man if he
gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in
exchange for his soul?”
Perhaps no
one has ever asked you about accepting Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.
If not, allow me to give you an opportunity to accept Him TODAY. Paul teaches
us in Romans 10 : 9, “that if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and
shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be
saved.”
If you
haven’t prayed to the Lord and asked Him to forgive your sins and fill your
heart with the Holy Spirit, please invite Jesus into your heart today. It will
be the greatest decision of your entire life. In addition, let a pastor, a family
member, or a close friend know that you have made this decision to live for
Christ. As you confess the Lord to others, you will become stronger in your new
walk of faith. We would love to hear from you as well. You can contact me at prayer@whcnorth.org.
Living by
Faith,
Pastor Asa Dockery
Pastor Asa Dockery
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