The Great and the Awful

I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.

Galatians 2:20 (CEV)

Paul did great things. And he did awful things.

As a highly religious Jew in the first century, he had done all the right things in people’s eyes. He seemed completely devoted to God. When he thought people were going against God by following Jesus, he hunted them down and put them in prison, or worse.

But Jesus stopped Paul in his tracks. He showed Paul that he was really God’s Son, and Paul was hurting his people.

How could Paul make that up to God? He couldn’t. Paul learned there was nothing he could do—good or bad—that would impress God. Instead, Paul needed to ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus as the new commander of his life. His old life and his old set of rules needed to go away. He needed a real change in his heart! Only his new life in Christ mattered.

Are you trying to get to God by doing everything you think is right? Jesus wants you to have faith in him, not in yourself. He wants to lead your life. He wants you to say goodbye to your old life and begin a new life with him! All you have to do is accept the new life Jesus offers.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Are you ready to say goodbye to your old life, and begin a new life with Jesus? When you ask for forgiveness, Jesus gives you a new heart. In a journal or on some paper, draw a heart, and write the characteristics of Jesus inside it. Then pray asking him to forgive your sin and for help to live like Jesus every day.

PRAY

Jesus, I want this new life in you. Thank you for this free gift.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Please read...

Psalm 51:1–2

Psalm 51:17

Romans 6:6

Colossians 2:20a