Matthew 28:20, New Living Translation

“… and be sure of this: I am with you, always, even to the end of the age.”

There is a promise in the Bible, that I find to be so true. Matthew 28:20 (NLT), the latter half of the scripture, Jesus tells his disciples, “And be sure of this: I am with you, always, even to the end, the age.” No matter where we are in life, He is always with us. He remains faithful, even when we are faithless.

It’s God’s love that draws us to repentance. It’s God’s love that saves us. It’s God’s love that brings us to the fulfillment in life we are all looking for. But do we recognize it?

I remember a point in my own life when I had decided to give my life to Jesus. I didn’t really. I didn’t even realize what I was doing. In the end, I walked away and did my own thing. I didn’t know or realize the beautiful relationship I was walking away from. It wasn’t until I hit my own “rock bottom” that I realized the promise, “I am with you, always, even to the end,” was true.

I was drawn by His loving kindness. I was told that I was not alone. When I look back, I see evidence of Him always being there. Truth be told, He is there for you, too! He has respect for people. He will not force a relationship with you. He wants you to choose Him. When you do, your life will change forever!

Psalm 34:8 (NLT), says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” I have tasted and seen the Lord’s, goodness! I have gone from someone lost in sin and death, to freedom in Christ and eternal salvation!

Have you seen and tasted the Lord’s goodness? Do you have refuge in the Lord? If you do not, it is not too late! As Christ was dying on the cross, He forgave the thief and said, “I assure you, today, you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NLT) You must choose to come to the end of yourself, recognize your need for a Savior, repent, and ask Jesus into your heart! He loves you and does not want you to be lost to the ways of this world!

When you truly give your life to Christ, your entire life changes! It won’t happen overnight. As the scripture says, “And yet, O LORD, you are our father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8, NLT). You must be willing and pliable in the hands of God. Proverbs 3:11 (NLT) says, “My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father, corrects, a child, and whom he delights.” The Lord loves, and delights in you! He doesn’t want you to be the same. He knows the wonderful things he has planned for you! Just a scripture also says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He’s created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT) Scripture also says in Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT), “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good, and not for disaster, to give you hope and a future. “

God has shown up, so beautifully in my life! His love and truth have got me through difficult times and the difficult times have brought me closer to Him! The scriptures are true when they say, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28, NLT) Will you allow Jesus to be the Lord of your life and see the great things he will do for you?