Because of Jesus

   I am home now, for a week and a half. It is so nice to be in my own house sitting by my fireplace as I write this. The sun is shining through the windows and my dog is curled up by my feet. My mom brought me home warm soup and bread from Panera too. I feel so blessed to have a home and family like I do. As I sit here, thinking about the different blessings in my life, I am overwhelmed by how many different qualities I possess because of Jesus. 
   We all have different gifts, talents, and abilities. God has given each of us these qualities for a unique purpose. Because of Jesus, we are all individuals. We are created in God's image. We can use the gifts God has given us to glorify Him and spread His good news to this hurting world. We have different passions and things God puts on each of our hearts. We have dreams, hopes, and desires because God gave them to us to hold. Because of Jesus' guidance and wisdom, we can achieve them.
   We all go through different hardships and trials. Because of Jesus' love, we are comforted during these situations. We have no reason to be afraid or to worry because Jesus has a plan and is walking with us through every circumstance we will come across. When doubts fill our minds and we begin to feel helpless, God restores us with hope and a new perspective. We can live in peace because our Savior reigns and has overcome this world.
  Many times in life we deal with different feelings such as confusion, anger, bitterness, and worry. When we find ourselves struggling with these strong emotions, God asks us to come to Him. He will soften and heal our hearts. Because of Jesus' forgiveness, we now have the ability to forgive and to let go of past regrets, mistakes, and discouragements. We are able to surrender our lives and all that we feel because we know that our God is greater than all of it.

   Because of Jesus Christ, we are a new creation. Our past mistakes are forgiven and forgotten. We have hope in the plans God has for us in the future. We are redeemed. We are restored and renewed. We have no reason to live in shame or guilt because our Savior reigns. We no longer have to feel weighed down by the burdens of this world, but instead walk with our heads held high because of our identity as God's children. 

   Life is difficult at times, but God is above it all. We are free because of Jesus. He has unlocked the chains that used to have the power to hold us down. We have the opportunity to share this good news with others. It is only because of Jesus that we have the strength and hope that we do. Because of Jesus, we have a purpose in this world and a call on our hearts to fulfill it.