Craig Clouston

 Commitment

April 30

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen the hearts of those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9

Sherry began setting up her keyboard as André assembled the rest of the sound system. André was pastoring a small church on the campus of a local college in a sleepy little community. He and Sherry felt a deep sense of commitment to this body of believers. This was a unique congregation in that it was mostly made up of transient college students with just a few people from the surrounding countryside thrown in for good measure.

Three times in the past two years there had been evictions threatened by the school, trying to stop them from meeting on campus. Two times the church had appealed and been given a stay of execution. Today, however, would be their last Sunday in Horn Hall. Last Friday’s board meeting had ended in what appeared to be a victory for the school.

As they completed setting up for the morning service, André and Sherry thanked God for the time they had been given in this building, winning young lives for Christ.

Having found a new place on campus to meet, they would continue ministering to the students. But this had been where they had begun their ministry for the Lord, and it would always cling to a corner of their hearts.

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Jesus’ commitment to us, our salvation and sanctification, is almost impossible to comprehend. He allowed Himself to be led to a day where it appeared He had lost all hope of reigning as King. Only by His great act of love do we have hope of true life. In Him we have the perfect example of how to strengthen the body of Christ.

As we live for Someone else, serving those around us that they might know Christ, we discover where our strength comes from. Only through Christ’s sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit do our hearts receive what’s needed to walk out a life committed to Christ.

Prayer

“Thank You, Jesus, for teaching me about walking in grace. When I want to run, hem me in. When I falter, hold me up. When I fall, pick me up. When I have no strength, give me Yours. Amen.”