Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Growing up I had a plan for how I could make my life good.
Get a good education. A good job. A good husband. A few good kids. A good house. A good flowerbed out front. And a good mini-van parked in the driveway.
Then life would be good.
Eventually, I had all that good stuff. I was thankful for it all. I loved my family to pieces. The mini-van wasnt all I thought it would be, but I felt like an official mom driving it. So even that wound up being good.
But something inside me still felt hollow. A little off. A little lacking.
So, I reasoned I needed something else to do. A place where I could use my gifts and talents. And while these things were fun and satisfying on one level, they too fell short when it came to that deep place ringing with the echoes of empty.
Empty is a heavy load to bear. The mystery of wanting to be filled but not knowing how or what could fill the deep soul is a gnawing ache. A search that can seem both futile and shattering at times.
When you try and try, always feeling like the answer is just around the corner, and then it isnt, it can split your heart wide open and leak dry all your reserves.
It can make you feel unsatisfied and frustrated with everything. Even those you love. Maybe especially those you love.
So you fake a smile and keep putting one foot in front of the other. But eventually you stop peeking around the next corner hoping the answer is there. History tells you it isnt. And wrapped in that perception is the noose that strangles out all hope.
Sadly, this is where many women live.
I know this place because I lived there. I struggled there.
And I guess Im wondering if you or someone you love might be there this Christmas season. Its tough when everything around you screams merry when you feel anything but.
It quite honestly stinks.
So, Im not going to pretend youll suddenly feel super merry after reading this.
But what I can promise is a string of words that explains a lot. An answer that is sure and solid and true and full of the breathless wonder of a hope rediscovered.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 NIV)
No good plan is the answer.
Even a good husband good children a good friend make a very poor God.
No education or job or house can save you.
Salvation cant be found in anyone or anything else.
There is no other.
Only Jesus.
And Im not just talking about saying were Christians. Following the rules and following Jesus are two totally different things.
Going through the motions of religion wont ever satisfy. Its only when we bend down low, open our hearts in complete surrender, and say, Jesus, its You. Only You. There is no other. There is no other possession or person or position that can ever fill the deep soul-place shaped only for You.
This is my Christmas prayer. Though Ive been saved for a long time, I want to recapture the essence of this no other reality.
And really live like this is true.
Because it is. True.
Jesus, only You can save and fill and give what my soul desires. Please remind me to draw close to You and rely on the promise that You will draw close to me when I do. Amen.
Growing up I had a plan for how I could make my life good.
Get a good education. A good job. A good husband. A few good kids. A good house. A good flowerbed out front. And a good mini-van parked in the driveway.
Then life would be good.
Eventually, I had all that good stuff. I was thankful for it all. I loved my family to pieces. The mini-van wasnt all I thought it would be, but I felt like an official mom driving it. So even that wound up being good.
But something inside me still felt hollow. A little off. A little lacking.
So, I reasoned I needed something else to do. A place where I could use my gifts and talents. And while these things were fun and satisfying on one level, they too fell short when it came to that deep place ringing with the echoes of empty.
Empty is a heavy load to bear. The mystery of wanting to be filled but not knowing how or what could fill the deep soul is a gnawing ache. A search that can seem both futile and shattering at times.
When you try and try, always feeling like the answer is just around the corner, and then it isnt, it can split your heart wide open and leak dry all your reserves.
It can make you feel unsatisfied and frustrated with everything. Even those you love. Maybe especially those you love.
So you fake a smile and keep putting one foot in front of the other. But eventually you stop peeking around the next corner hoping the answer is there. History tells you it isnt. And wrapped in that perception is the noose that strangles out all hope.
Sadly, this is where many women live.
I know this place because I lived there. I struggled there.
And I guess Im wondering if you or someone you love might be there this Christmas season. Its tough when everything around you screams merry when you feel anything but.
It quite honestly stinks.
So, Im not going to pretend youll suddenly feel super merry after reading this.
But what I can promise is a string of words that explains a lot. An answer that is sure and solid and true and full of the breathless wonder of a hope rediscovered.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 NIV)
No good plan is the answer.
Even a good husband good children a good friend make a very poor God.
No education or job or house can save you.
Salvation cant be found in anyone or anything else.
There is no other.
Only Jesus.
And Im not just talking about saying were Christians. Following the rules and following Jesus are two totally different things.
Going through the motions of religion wont ever satisfy. Its only when we bend down low, open our hearts in complete surrender, and say, Jesus, its You. Only You. There is no other. There is no other possession or person or position that can ever fill the deep soul-place shaped only for You.
This is my Christmas prayer. Though Ive been saved for a long time, I want to recapture the essence of this no other reality.
And really live like this is true.
Because it is. True.
Jesus, only You can save and fill and give what my soul desires. Please remind me to draw close to You and rely on the promise that You will draw close to me when I do. Amen.
