God breathed life into Adam's nostrils, putting him to sleep while he removed a rib and brought forth Eve. God walked with his creation in the cool of each day. He knew they would fall into temptation, but gave them free will anyway.
Why?
I sometimes think God did that because he knows human nature and wanted us to know exactly what we are capable of doing. When the first humans made the wrong choice, our sweet Creator already had a redemption plan. No harsh words, no bending them to His will. They were clothed with the skin of the first sacrifice, mirroring the one who would someday clothe us in grace through the shedding of his own blood.
Why, God? What is it about us that ignites such love and compassion? You have everything. You are everything. Why? Is this a mystery I’ll understand only on the other side of heaven? I’m not being rude or argumentative in this line of questioning. It reflects my need to know you more, to draw closer and closer still.
I examine my motives for my relationship with Jesus. The truth is, I love Him because He first loved me.
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us…” John 4:10
I couldn’t continue to live without my Redeemer. Without him, I would have self-destructed and died in my sins. I’m thankful to God for saving my life.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
My relationship with Jesus Christ has become a sacred habit. Examining my decisions from his perspective gleaned through His Word has become a way of life--to sit and know more of God, to learn who he is, what he has done, and is still doing in my life.
His word fills me with overwhelming love and devotion to him. It increases my faith and my hope.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Even when my faith falters and I fall into temptation, Jesus reminds me he is my escape. All sin has a consequence but I never have to face it alone.
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
My relationship with Jesus grows every time I trust Him. It doesn’t deepen because of anything I do. It is based on what he has done for me. I need him for my very breath. I need him to be my compass. I need him in my relationships and my friendships. I need him because in him I find my worth. Without him I am nothing, a sinner dying in my sins.
I need his love, his grace, his mercy—daily, minute by minute. The more I know him, the more I need him, the more I love him.
So you see, my relationship with my Savior is one he initiated first and tenderly nurtures in me. He is enough.
“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
by Eve Montano