It is impossible to think of Christmas without thinking about gifts. For the last few months we have been bombarded by advertisements for the “perfect” gift! For believers, however, Christmas goes far beyond material gifts. It reminds us of the gifts we receive through our Savior, Jesus Christ! While material gifts bring temporary satisfaction, the gift of Jesus changes our lives forever. He truly is the gift that keeps on giving!
So what are the “gifts” we receive as believers? The list is nearly endless. Salvation and the Holy Spirit top my list. However, this past week another gift has been on my mind, one on which we may not reflect on often enough. It is the gift of assurance.
It all started with a conversation. An acquaintance of mine has embarked on a rather large project requiring a substantial financial investment. When I asked how the plan was progressing, the response was, “I’m really worried. So much has changed, and I didn’t expect X, Y, and Z to happen.” As I reflected on this conversation later, the word assurance kept surfacing in my mind. I could sense this person lacked assurance. Please understand that I’m not trying to be judgmental. However, what we must all embrace is that when we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we received the gift of assurance.
What do I mean by assurance? Synonyms for this word include certainty, security, and courage. As believers we know much in this life is uncertain. If we haven’t come to grips with this truth over the past two years, we are living in denial! However, it is possible to confidently navigate times of uncertainty. We don’t have to filled with worry. We can feel secure despite our circumstances, and we can face each day with courage. True, down-deep, heart-felt assurance is a gift from God.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek
you. Psalm 9:10
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
The gift of assurance is available to anyone who claims it through faith; however, many Christians today seem to be missing out on this gift. Christ sacrificed so much so you and I could live lives full of assurance. Too often doubt creeps in and robs us of the confidence we have in Christ. Doubt is one of Satan’s biggest weapons.
· He wants us to feel insecure over the meaning and purpose of our lives.
· He wants us to put our confidence in worldly possessions.
· He wants us to worry about the future.
Satan tempts us to put our faith in ourselves, our jobs, our government, or even our church leadership, all of which will fall short, leaving us feeling insecure.
If you are reading this, most likely you have received the gift of Jesus as your Savior. If you haven’t or aren’t sure, go to this link (http://tonyevans.org/know-jesus-christ/?hsLang=en) and make a decision today to claim your gift!
If you are a Christ follower and have accepted Jesus as your Savior, I have some questions for you.
· Are you living in a place of assurance?
· Are you secure in who Jesus is and what He can do in your life?
· Are you experiencing peace?
· Are you trusting Him to provide for your needs?
When we put our faith in God and His revealed Word, our lives take on a new stability and focus. A Biblical assurance is a confidence in God’s Word and character. We can have every confidence in the God who made us, called us, saved us, and keeps us. What a gift!
Whatever gift God has for you this Christmas, don’t leave it unwrapped. Claim it! May your Christmas be filled with many blessings, and may you have full assurance in Christ our Savior!
Merry Christmas!
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17