“Behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
Today’s Christian daily devotional
Lacy loosened her jacket trying to get comfortable in the confined seat of the 747. Although she had flown dozens of times before, there was something monumental about this trip; she could feel it in her bones.
After surviving her intense divorce, Lacy was determined to ‘find herself’ again. When she first walked into that twenty-four hour fitness center, she only had one goal in mind: losing twenty-five pounds.
It didn’t take long before she realized that the gym was her saving grace. Lacy dropped those divorce pounds quickly and found her new love—running. Nothing beat the high she got after hitting her stride and breaking her own time.
For three intense years, she trained to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Every morning Lacy bolted out of bed to lace up her shoes and beat her time from the day before. At night she would ice her knees, wrap and elevate her ankles and plan her meals and route for the next day.
Her heart was tired of hurting, but there was such gratification when she pushed her body to its aching limits. She loved seeing her goals become accomplishments she got to check off her list.
While waiting for take off, her phone buzzed. Lacy answered.
“Honey, I just wanted to wish you good luck. I’m praying for you!” Lacy’s mom was her biggest fan.
“Mom, stop that praying stuff. I’m so ‘over’ it. Why can’t I do anything without you mentioning God?” Lacy regretted picking up the phone. No matter what her mom seemed to find a reason interject spiritual matters in everyday conversation. This was the last thing Lacy wanted to hear at the moment.
“You’re young, I know. I was wild when I was your age. But, I’m concerned that you’re too busy to remember the most important things…”
“Mom! Stop. Seriously. I can’t handle this right now. The plane is going to take off soon, anyway. I’ve got to go. Love you.” Lacy clicked the phone off, tossing it into her open carry-on.
Sighing, she tilted her thick head of curls back, staring hard at the overhead lights.
Although Lacy was only thirty-three, her abusive marriage had confined her for ten years. The idea of ‘finding God’ felt as if it would be yet another restrictive relationship for her.
“I’m young. I’ll have time for that later.” That thought consoled Lacy before her eyes got heavy. She drifted into a peaceful slumber.
Despite her youth, Lacy had a serious blood clot condition. While she was sleeping, she suffered from an aneurism from the tight cabin pressure. That short conversation was the last one shared with her mother.
In 2 Corinthians 6:2 Paul encourages all who would listen that there is never a better time than NOW for salvation.
There are many luxuries in life that can be put off for a better day. But, no one has the luxury of knowing when his or her last breath will be. Once a person crosses over, eternity begins. Are you ready?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I have read the obituaries and I realize that death doesn’t just come to those who are elderly. Death is not a respecter of age, sex, religious or political affiliation. Death happens to the young and old, rich and poor.
Knowing this, I realize that life is not only precious but also totally unpredictable.
Lord, I can’t rest. I know Jesus died for my sins and all I have to do is repent for my wrongs, turn from my wicked ways and ask Jesus to take over my life and heart.
But, there is a serious fear in my heart. I’m afraid of what that commitment will ask of me. In the name of Jesus, I bind that spirit of fear. I will not fear God; I will fear not being a child of God; because if I’m not, I will not be living under the eternal protection of the one who loves me.
I will be open prey for the enemy of my soul. Satan would love for me to ignore this fear. Today, I will face it.
Lord, forgive me for not turning to your salvation sooner. I accept Jesus into my heart. I need you to help me to turn from my wicked ways. I have been wicked my whole life. I’m not so sure I even know what God requires of me.
But, I will no longer let that fear stop me. I will take it one day at a time. Everyday I will commit to following what your Holy Spirit tells my heart—one day at a time.
Thank you for filling me with your love, your power and the peace that passes all understanding.
In a world that offers so little, I realize how rich I am in this moment. Help me to never turn back to my former self.
In Jesus’ name, write my name, ___________________ in your Lamb’s book of life. We are now family, Lord. I love you, Abba. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 2 Corinthians 6:2
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan