g
dependent on your job, family, talents, or even your health. It’s a concrete confidence that weathers any storm. You can’t earn favor from God; you can only receive it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was enough. Romans 8:1 confirms, “Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus.” That’s real security. Maybe you’ve recently felt the sting of insecurity or tried the promises of the world and discovered they’re imitations of the real thing. Accept Jesus as Lord, and you’ll experience true worth. He’s ready to make you a new creation, so you can serve Him in the world with full, lasting security.
The God who made you wants to save you.
Empty Promises
The remedy for the sting of insecurity BY JENNIFER MCCAMAN
Whether an attorney or a stay-
at-home mom, single or married, 16 or 60, we’ve all felt the sting of insecurity. We may wonder why friends don’t include us sometimes, why we can’t afford the same things that others can buy, or whether our spouse still finds us attractive. The world promises security in many forms: the perfect body, popularity, career advancement, a successful spouse, well-behaved children, excelling in hobbies and talents. The truth is, these promises are empty because insecurity cuts to the core of who we are: our souls. We still buy the lie — a quick fix until we’re left questioning ourselves again.
The Real ‘Me’ Before God
That’s where Christ comes in. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There’s
28
HOMELIFE JANUARY 2013
truth in our insecurity: We are total failures; we aren’t good enough; we’re hopeless in our weaknesses. We cannot enter the presence of the holy God because our souls are saturated with sin. But there’s great news. John 3:16 explains, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Even in our brokenness, He loved us. He sought us. While we were stumbling from one quick fix to another, God had mercy on us. Romans 5:8 declares, “God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” His love is so extravagant that He loved us before we knew Him.
One Real Promise
The God who made you wants to save you. He’s the only One who offers eternal security. Security in Christ isn’t
If you choose to believe Jesus died for your sins and to receive new life through Him, pray a prayer similar to this one: Dear God, I know I’m a sinner. I believe Jesus died to forgive me of my sins. I now accept Your offer of eternal life. Thank You for forgiving me. From this day forward, I will choose to follow You. Thankfully, we were never meant to follow Christ in isolation. Part of His plan for us includes uniting us with other believers to grow and serve together. To learn more about salvation, baptism, and growing in the Lord, visit your local church and join a community of believers. If you’d like to speak with someone about how to have new life in Christ, call toll free (888) 537-8720. •
Jennifer McCaman lives in Bangkok,
Thailand, with her husband and her son, who’s almost 2. Read more about her journey at jennifermccaman.com.
Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/homelifemagazine
© Thinkstock
new life