TRADING YOUR TRACK RECORD

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith... Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

One summer when I was speaking at a camp, I met a young guy who was a former hitman. He had recently started following Jesus, and they were hiding him out at this camp for a while to keep him safe from the people in his past. As I spent time with him, we became friends. Then suddenly, he disappeared.

I found out months later he had moved to a little town and started a family. But he still struggled with shame over the horrible things he had done. One day, he decided he didn’t deserve to live. He committed suicide, and he did it in a painful way because he thought he deserved to suffer.

This story saddens me. He had accepted Jesus' forgiveness—but he hadn't fully accepted the new life Jesus offered him. Now, I'm sure my friend is in Heaven right now. But sadly, he hadn't understood that his acceptance in God's eyes didn't require a perfect track record.

You may be born again, but until your heart is at rest in Jesus, you will be conflicted. Many people try to keep their restless heart at bay, using their own discipline, willpower and intellect to manage those feelings away. But your own strength won't take you into the next season God has for you. And deep down, your heart will struggle with condemnation.

As a believer, recognize that Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith. Your acceptance in God's family is based on Jesus' track record, not yours. Because of Him, you are now qualified for every promise. The weight of guilt can slide off your shoulders, and you can rise up with new life!