For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from
yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Have you ever been so excited about a trip or summer vacation that you could hardly stand it? You put it on your calendar nine months ahead of time and count down the days. That’s how we feel every year for Papa Camp. For eleven years now we’ve looked forward to getting together with all the cousins. It’s an awesome family tradition that my father started and my mom has continued.
No matter how excited we are it seems that we always get down to the wire with our preparation. I make lists and then lists of my lists so that I don’t forget something we should take. I also have to prepare my home for the sweet soul that comes to stay and care for our four legged friends while we are away.
Our packing list goes something like this:
- Papa Camp shirts
- Shorts
- Swimsuit
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Toothbrush
Pretty simple. So simple I’m not sure why I can’t seem to get it all together before the last minute.
Sometimes I feel like I can’t get it all together with my relationship with the Lord either. I get so caught up in my real but unnecessary list of things to do that it feels like I’m not prepared or ready to meet Him. There are days that I just can’t seem to check everything off my list.
It goes something like this:
- Read my Bible daily
- Pray regularly
- Do the right things
- Don’t mess up
While all these things are wonderful and good and help me in my daily walk with the Lord I have to remind myself that they are not required on the packing list for my trip to heaven. My salvation does not depend one minute on what I’ve done or not done. There’s no need to scurry around in a panic that I haven’t got it together. My salvation depends on what Jesus did for me. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
I have to remind myself that my faith is not in my list or the things that I’ve done but in His list and what He’s done for me.
Jesus’ list:
- Died on the cross for you
- Paid the penalty of your sins
- It is finished
Are you prepared? Have you put your faith in His list?