Loyalty

“Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” John 6:57

There is a very distinct moment that I hold onto in my memory. It is the day that God caught my attention in the depths of despair. We all have those moments when we dwell in the dark and question where God is. God’s presence on that day of defeat was my first realization that He truly was present in my life. His willingness to meet me in my darkest alley made His love and compassion undeniable to me – for the first time I welcomed Him into my life.
In Galatians 2:20 Paul says, ‘I’ve been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.’ The moment we accept Christ as our Savior we die to the life we had and begin to allow Christ to live within us. Even on the darkest days when fear, shame, and failure cling to our spirit, we have a Savior, who lives in the light, to run to. Never do we have to make the choice to stay in the dark because of our mishaps. God’s loyalty to us is beyond comprehension.
Instead of hiding in shame, guilt, and misery we can run to The Lord to be celebrated, forgiven, and made new every moment of every day. God’s promise makes it clear – whoever welcomes Him into their heart allows His love to live through them. Nothing can separate Him from us. No matter the day, in darkness or light, I pray that you and I can meet at the foot of Jesus to dance with Him and celebrate that we live because of Him.
You hold the pen. What will your story be?

This devotion is written by Emily Estes, a member of the writing team at Sheridan Lutheran Church. If you would like to serve as a member of this team, contact Amy Wagner.