Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13,14).
The Bible encourages you to take hold of the eternal life to which you were called (1 Timothy 6:12). The Bob Christopher paraphrase reads, "Grab it and live it."
It sounds so good and so simple. It's what you want. But let me ask, is anything holding you back?
Are you fearful of the unknown? New life is just that - new. That means it's different, unfamiliar. It requires change. Change is not something we take to readily because we are not sure of the benefits. Turn that fear into faith. Trust the One who loves you and gave his life for you. His life is the best - nothing can compare.
Are you concerned about what other people will think of you? Other people's opinions are very important to us. What they think matters. I certainly don't want people to think I'm a religious fanatic. Eric Hoffer wrote, "It's been said that when people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate one another." What really matters is what God thinks. His opinion is better than anyone else's. Trust what he has to say.
Do you think the world has something better to offer? Admittedly, the world is an attractive place on the surface. It markets itself very well. But the world doesn't offer anything that can compare to Christ. The only way to find out is to take hold, jump in, and live.
It takes courage, but experiencing the life of Jesus is worth everything. This is what he saved you for. Press on!
Taken from: SIMPLE GOSPEL, SIMPLY GRACE, Copyright ©2015 by Bob Christopher, Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97402, www.harvesthousepublishers.com
In Him,
Bob Christopher