Once For All

As we enter the season of Lent and ponder what Christ’s sacrifice means to us, I ask you, what difference does Christ’s sacrifice make in your life? What difference does it make in mine? Should it really matter in our day-to-day lives that Christ suffered in our place?

One night, not long ago, I was engulfed with pain as memories of abuse caused me to grieve the innocence a man stole from me. I sobbed as I asked God to heal me and, after an internal struggle, to forgive the perpetrator who had long since died. I fell into a deep, exhausted sleep. When I awoke in the morning, the thought of the perpetrator still lingered in my mind. I prayed, “God, did he ever regret what he did to me? Did he pay for it before he died?”

Instantly, deep in my spirit, I sensed these words, “No, my child. I paid for it.” I realized at that moment that the perpetrator’s sins had been paid for along with mine. And I was at peace.

Lord, help me remember that you suffered for sins. Once for all. Amen. — KDG

Contributed by Once For All

As we enter the season of Lent and ponder what Christ's sacrifice means to us, I ask you, what difference does Christ's sacrifice make in your life? What difference does it make in mine? Should it really matter in our day-to-day lives that Christ suffered in our place? One night, not long ago, I was engulfed with pain as memories of abuse caused me to grieve the innocence a man stole from me. I sobbed as I asked God to heal me and, after an internal struggle, to forgive the perpetrator who had long since died. I fell into a deep, exhausted sleep. When I awoke in the morning, the thought of the perpetrator still lingered in my mind. I prayed, "God, did he ever regret what he did to me? Did he pay for it before he died?" Instantly, deep in my spirit, I sensed these words, "No, my child. I paid for it." I realized at that moment that the perpetrator's sins had been paid for along with mine. And I was at peace.
Eternity for Today