Great Expectations
Have you ever gone down a path only to find out later on it was not what you expected?
I lived to play soccer! It was an exciting, non-stop, action sport that I was good at! I followed several of my high school teammates from Atlanta, Georgia to play at Clemson University back in the 70’s. My best friends were on the team. I was living my dream, but something was missing in my life, and I couldn’t identify it.
I began the year with high expectations. It didn’t take long before my expectations crashed and burned as I sat on the bench, week after week, and watched my friends play. Little did I know God was using this to get my attention. I was surprised at how angry I was at the coach and jealous of my teammates. Conversely, when I got to play, which only happened once in my freshman year, I was happy. Why were my emotions tossed up and down by my circumstances? Because I was my own god! When I got what I wanted, when I wanted it, and how I wanted it, then I was happy. If I didn’t get my way, then I was angry, depressed, or jealous. This self-centeredness is what the Bible calls sin. This sin separated me from God and real life. I discovered that freedom from this selfishness and resulting guilt only came through Jesus Christ.
Some students explained to me that God loved me so much that Jesus died on a cross for all of my sins, which were many. Then to prove He was God, he miraculously rose from the dead, and now lives in heaven. The Bible says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, that no man should boast.” I received the free gift and gave Him complete control of my life when I was nineteen years old.
Jesus Christ has far exceeded my expectations for over 40 years! He has given me the strength to love others more than myself, and I know I am going to heaven when I die!
Would you like to know God personally and know you are going to heaven? Please contact me if you have any questions.
Steve S. Nelson steve.nelson@gcmweb.org