timelygospelpro 
In our lives, we often encounter terms like “getting saved,” “receiving forgiveness of sins,” “being born again,” or “personal salvation.” If you haven’t yet, you will encounter them at some point. I, too, have journeyed through this experience, as have thousands of others, and continue to do so.
Let’s be candid; achieving salvation for your soul and maintaining a life centered around it can lead to the most significant miracle you will ever experience. Your soul’s salvation is your personal salvation, a divine gift from God. You are invaluable, and as Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). There’s no room for uncertainty or hesitation – it’s a must.
Now, let’s clarify that better health and a miraculous life aren’t random events. Although some individuals may appear healthy despite living lives contrary to God’s will, true well-being encompasses more than just physical health. It’s about holistic wellness, both in the present and for eternity.
Putting First Things First:
Jesus once stated, “It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out” (Mark 9:45). This doesn’t mean that your body or mind is unimportant. Rather, it emphasizes the need to prioritize what’s most essential – your spirit’s healing and restoration from the ailment of sin.
A Lesson from My Parents:
My parents attempted to instill in me a sense of sin, the knowledge that I was a sinner. Convincing a teenager that they are a sinner is no small feat. I questioned, “Me, a sinner? What have I done?” But they insisted that I see life from God’s perspective, not just my own.
They would read passages from the Bible to me, and one verse left a lasting impression: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). Another story from Jesus about two men – one self-righteous and the other acknowledging his need for change – struck a chord. The humble man prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13), and Jesus declared him justified.
Even as a rebellious teenager, these teachings from the Bible lingered in my mind. My sins separated me from God, and He seemed distant as long as I ignored Him. Although my parents’ message didn’t hit home immediately, it planted a seed within me.
Turning God Away:
As I pursued my dream of becoming a lawyer and governor of Oklahoma, I perceived a false image of a life saved from sin as incompatible with my aspirations. So, I turned my back on God, suppressing any feelings of guilt or need for salvation.
One day, it felt as though God and I were alone in a room, facing each other. I felt cramped, uncomfortable, and resentful. I shouted, “God, get out of my life. Leave me alone.” I thought that ended it, and I felt a sense of relief.
But God didn’t abandon me. He got out of my life, leaving me to go it alone. Initially, it felt liberating, but soon, an unsettling sensation crept in. God had let me be on my own, and I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted it that way.
Facing Mortality:
It hadn’t occurred to me, a 17-year-old, that people could die young. I thought death was reserved for the elderly. But the truth is, people of all ages can face mortality.
I fell gravely ill and, within weeks, confronted the possibility of an early death. Life suddenly became very real. During those days of illness, lying in bed, unable to rise and getting worse, my parents were deeply distressed.
My father urged me to repent and get saved, ensuring my place in heaven. However, I didn’t know how to pray, and at that moment, I had no desire for heaven or God.
My mother offered a simple solution, “You don’t have to know how to pray, just open your heart and talk to God as if you were talking to me or your father. Tell Him you’re sorry, believe He hears you, and God will do the rest.”
Though I didn’t respond immediately, her words lingered – “You don’t have to know how to pray, just talk to God.”
Before we continue, take two steps:
1. Reflect on this Scripture: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).
2. Acknowledge this Key Issue: “I WILL PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST by beginning to read and study the Scripture so that I can learn how to receive the greatest miracle of my life.”
