I grew up in a Christian home and Jesus found me at an early age. I've loved Jesus for a long time but I didn't understand the beauty of His grace until this past summer at camp. By nature, I thrive on others's approval. Seeking the approval of authority figures and God dominated my life. Breaking the rules was not an option for me. I strived for perfection and walked in condemnation after breaking any rules or disappointing anyone. My senior year in high school and the first couple years of college I struggled with extreme doubts of my salvation. I was so focused on whether or not I had cried enough tears, been repentant enough, or said the right prayer, in other words, my works. The Lord began to work in my heart my sophomore and junior years of college through circumstances and my heart became peaceful again concerning salvation.
I was a counselor at Lurecrest last summer for the first time; it was the right place at the right time. The Holy Spirit took all of the emotions, doubts, and questions I had been carrying, and over the summer, opened my eyes to grace in the Gospel. Through hearing the truth of the Gospel, of what Jesus did FOR me, I began to understand the worthlessness of my works. I can't explain the freedom and joy that accompanies breaking free from the bondage of works. If I didn't do anything to earn my salvation, there is nothing I can do to lose it. I'm continuing to learn more of what it means to live in loving response to what Christ did for me rather than feeling like I have to perform to get His attention and His approval. There's nothing I can do that is so great Christ will love me more; and I can't break enough rules that He will love me any less. I'm still amazed that I lived so long knowing Christ but not fully understanding the Gospel.
Being obedient is no longer a shackle, it's a gift. Living by works is confining, tiring, and impossible. But living in grace, in loving response, is rest. Jesus changes everything.
Sarah Craver
2006 Counselor
I was a counselor at Lurecrest last summer for the first time; it was the right place at the right time. The Holy Spirit took all of the emotions, doubts, and questions I had been carrying, and over the summer, opened my eyes to grace in the Gospel. Through hearing the truth of the Gospel, of what Jesus did FOR me, I began to understand the worthlessness of my works. I can't explain the freedom and joy that accompanies breaking free from the bondage of works. If I didn't do anything to earn my salvation, there is nothing I can do to lose it. I'm continuing to learn more of what it means to live in loving response to what Christ did for me rather than feeling like I have to perform to get His attention and His approval. There's nothing I can do that is so great Christ will love me more; and I can't break enough rules that He will love me any less. I'm still amazed that I lived so long knowing Christ but not fully understanding the Gospel.
Being obedient is no longer a shackle, it's a gift. Living by works is confining, tiring, and impossible. But living in grace, in loving response, is rest. Jesus changes everything.
Sarah Craver
2006 Counselor
0 comments:
Post a Comment