He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9
At bedtime, my children would make a request, “Mommy, please tell us a bedtime story?” I think it was partially a ploy to stay up a little longer. Many times, instead of getting a book, I would make up a story that would start with, “Once upon a time,” and would include little children just like them. Each story had an adventure, an obstacle, and success over the barrier. The story would end with, “and they lived happily ever after.”
Many people have life-stories with deplorable beginnings, awful hurdles laden with sorrow and pain in the middle, and have less-than-desirable endings. However, a life made by God and covered by His grace and love is never without hope.
Hope for all humanity lies in this true story: Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, before time itself, God was. A plan of grace formulated and agreed upon was born out of His great love for humanity. It would be through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:9) Humans were enticed by the evil one and chose sin. (Genesis 3:1-24) Because of sin, humans separated themselves from a Holy God. (Isaiah 59:22) This separation would cause us to face many trials, tribulations, sickness, suffering, pain, and death. (John 16:33)
Our final hope is this; through Christ, we have the power to overcome the barrier we have erected. (Philippians 4:13) Even death cannot separate us from the grace-filled love of Christ. (Romans 8:38) When we grasp the grace of Jesus, we become victorious conquerors over evil. (Romans 8:37) We are set free from the bondage of sin. We are sanctified and renewed through Christ in a right relationship with God. (Romans 6:22)
What is our outcome? We have peace of a promised eternal life where our tears will be dried, and there will be no more death, pain, crying, or mourning. (Revelations 21:4) My friends, we will indeed have our “happily ever after,” as we claim God’s perfect will, today.
Thank you, Christ Jesus, for your plan of grace born out of your love for me. Amen.
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