Lenten Reader | Day 8

February 21st, 2024

Eternal Life

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

John 3:31-36

John’s words could not have been clearer. At one time in my young adult life, I rejected the Son. I could not see the right life. I was only looking at things on the earth. God’s wrath was upon me. I had been raised in the church, but I was not a Christian. I did not have joy. I was filled with sorrow. I was going to the wrong places. I was spending time with people who were not centered in Christ. I longed for something different. I needed to change.  
 
God works in such wondrous ways. Looking back at that time in my life I can see how my conversion started. My friend, Candy, had recently accepted Christ. I watched as she seemed to change in each way. Her actions were devoted, gracious, and kind. Her appearance was radiant.  Candy seemed to have her life together. She was straight-on happy. Candy had placed her trust in the true God. The God from above and who is above all.  
 
I wanted that…all of it. The Spirit was at work. After several months of this longing, this searching, this knowing, I needed a change. I did accept Christ as my Lord and Savior. The exact moment I asked God to forgive me, He immediately entered in and filled my empty sorrow-filled heart with joy.  Praise God, my life is filled with serving a limitless Savior. I gained eternal life. 

Kim Miller