Busloads of Grace

I had just graduated and moved to New York City. I was headed to an audition when I read these words in a Campus Crusade discipleship book: “If our relationship with God was dependent on our own good works, we could never have assurance. We would never know if we had done enough to please God.” There it was in black and white: salvation is a gift from God. Yet I had spent my life frantically trying to earn acceptance and prove my worth at home, at school, and at work.

Sadly, I realized I was doing the same thing in my faith walk with God. I wept and poured out my heart to God on that bus. He tenderly showed me that he didn’t want me to try harder; he wanted me to trust him more deeply. He invited me to rest on his finished work on the cross. My relationship was secure because he had done it all. Always remember, there is nothing you can do to earn your salvation. It is God’s gift to you. Rest!

Candace Kirkpatrick, actor, speaker, talk show cohost

Prayer from Kim Crabill:

Father, thank you for the incredible gift of salvation. Thank you for Jesus’ perfect life that you credit now to my account. You count me as your child, even though I’ve done nothing—and can do nothing—to earn that status. It is all a gift. Give me the peace and calm that only comes from fully resting in that reality. Help me fully embrace this precious gift. I want to honor you by accepting and trusting what you’ve done for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.