Hello Worthy family!
Imagine with me all of us standing on the west coast shore of California.
The skies are beautiful, the surf is inviting, and we have been presented with a challenge:
Swim from this beach to the east shore of Hawaii.
“What?!” you say. “Are you kidding?? What kind of workout is this??”
We all start wading into the ocean, feeing the waves break against our legs. Some of us begin to dive into the challenge, while others of us do our best not to drown. And as the hours pass by, several of us drop off, not able to make it another stroke further, while the strong ones continue to power on. Eventually, even the strongest swimmer tires out, cramps and realizes they can’t make it. It is just too far, maybe even impossible.
This is not unlike our efforts to reach heaven. Some people are not as moral, maybe sinning with the “big things” of armed robbery, or murder. They were not able to swim very far from the shore. Then there are those who are “better,” but still doing wrong with lying and stealing. They were able to swim a little further, but still can’t complete the swim. Then there are the really good people. They serve the poor, attend church every Sunday, and don’t say cuss words. However, they still are not able to swim all the way to Hawaii.
Who will save us and how do we reach heaven?
Jesus.
Ephesians 2: 8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
There is nothing we can do to gain heaven, even on our best days. It is because of the sacrifice, death and resurrection of Jesus that we can not only live in heaven forever, but enjoy fellowship with the Father right now!
(1 John 1:3).
This is good news!! I cannot live good enough to gain heaven (or swim to Hawaii, thank goodness!).
I can trust in Jesus, put my faith in Him, and live for Him.
Have an amazing week!!
Love to you!!
Coach Mary
