For January 30, 2022
Once, a pastor challenged me to work for the Kingdom, which ultimately begged this question, “If I were to give myself to the Lord completely, living according to the Bible, and trusting Him to fulfill His wonderful promises—what could happen for this poor black kid from the projects? ”
Some would contend that I am a hopeless because of my impoverished past environment, social status, and skin color, I will always be a “victim.” 
Thus, I must accept a life that is “inferior,” “disadvantaged,” and/or “predisposed to crime and/or failure.”
However, as a youth, I realized two things. First, I saw how my race was not the only one exposed to hatred or prejudice. I also noted how the races expressed hatred toward people within their own race, which I found quite curious. From these experiences, I learned that sin is a universal problem, which causes all people to hate and pre-judge indiscriminately.
Second, I realized that despite how society would classify me, my Everlasting Creator and Redeemer makes no such distinction. He is “no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34-35), and He loves all His Children—including me—equally. Thus, He gives me the freedom and grace to live a morally responsible life, consistent with His perfect will.
The Lord used my racial, cultural, and societal circumstances to fulfill His excellent work, which far surpassed anything I could have planned for myself. I just needed to trust in Him enough to, as another Christian once told me, “Let go and let God!”
Therefore, I differ with those who trivialize the Christian faith as a “pie-in-the-sky” religion. Mine has been a life of abundance (John 10:10), which began the moment I met the Lord and will continue forever. Only He gives my life its purpose and meaning while supplying me with fulfillment and satisfaction.
My life has not been about keeping the rules and rituals associated with a stereotyped religious practice. Instead, I have an intimate, personal relationship with a loving friend and companion.
Thus, I’ve tried to answer the pastor’s question by not depending on my gifts and ability alone. Jesus Christ needs to occupy the center of everything I desire in life, as He orders and delights in every step I take,
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:23-25 (KJV)
Although my being a “good” man has been questionable, He remains loving, patient, kind, and faithful in all things. In John 16:33, the Lord tells us to be of good cheer because He overcame the world’s challenges successfully—including an inhumane death on a Roman cross. Therefore, my victory is in Him. Won’t you give your heart to Christ today and experience His victory, fulfillment, and life?
What a Wonderful Savior!