A Gift to Receive

Just last week, I received an amazing gift.

I had been pushing very hard at work. My exhaustion was at an all-time high, and my wife Laurel asked me to do something that she has not asked of me my entire 30-year ministry career: she asked me to take a week off. 

She also asked me, for the span of one week, to do everything at half speed (except for driving!). And I did it! And the gift of rest, perspective, and joy that I received was worth more than any monetary gift I have ever received.

Salvation is not a purchase. It’s a gift.

Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NIV).

A gift must be received. You can ignore it. You can leave it unopened. But it’s still a gift. In my case, I could have thanked Laurel for her care and concern but completely ignored the love behind the gift that she wanted for me. I could have said “no” and continued on my weary journey with no hope of relief. But something inside of me said, “Trust her. Receive it. It will change you. You need it.”

God offers eternal life through Jesus. The question isn’t whether He’s willing. The question is whether we will receive it.

The miracle of today is that the gift is yours… For the receiving!

Let’s pray together. Father, I receive Your gift of salvation. I confess that Jesus is Lord. I believe that You raised Him from the dead. Thank You for eternal life. Help me to walk in it every day. I also receive Your gift of rest. Help me to walk slowly today, directed by the Spirit, into the quiet waters of Your Presence. Amen.

You are a miracle!