Being in the Navy is a rewarding, yet demanding career. As a sailor, you leave your family, friends, and home to serve your country. In doing so, you form bonds with other Navy members who have decided to make the same sacrifice to you. You become fiercely loyal - to the nation, to your officers, the ship’s captain, and your peers.
But even such strong loyalties can fail, for we are flawed, innately selfish and strive to protect ourselves. Yet, there is a bond that can never be broken, a loyalty that will never be destroyed. There is someone who loves you unconditionally, despite your imperfections and issues. He is someone who can offer comfort in any situation. He promises to stick by your side no matter what happens, and has proven this, even to the point of death.
Jesus paid the price
The truth is that there is someone out there who knows all of your pain, and sees you in your darkness.
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24)
But God, the creator of the world, offers hope. Our mistakes condemn us, but we don’t have to stay under that condemnation. He offers forgiveness for whatever you’ve done.
This forgiveness came at a price. Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth humbly as a man to bear the penalty of our sin by dying on a cross. God’s response to your pain was to lay down his life for you.
"—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Jesus made this amazing sacrifice for you. But he did not stay in the grave. He rose from the grave and made a way for you to be part of God’s family.
Hope is available
This forgiveness provides a way through the pain you’re in right now. God wants to restore your life. It may not be easy, and it may not be quick, but it is possible. But how?
In 1 John 1:9, it says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” And this is true! God promises that He will forgive our sins if we confess them to Him.
If you believe in Jesus as your savior, confess and repent (or turn away from your sin), you will receive forgiveness from God.
Now, your life won’t necessarily become easy, and your problems won’t automatically be solved. But having a relationship with the creator of the world, who loves you - that’s amazing. And it should give you security that you are loved by God and forgiven.
Make your decision
Do you want to receive the hope of Christ and follow Him? To do this requires a decision on your part, but it’s not just a one-time decision. We would love to guide you in a prayer to start your journey with God.
"Lord Jesus, I see now that I’ve lived my life my own way, on my own terms for so long and now I’m broken. You’ve seen it all and yet gave your life on the cross to save me. I believe you rose from the dead and that believing in your name is the only way I can be saved. I trust you to make my life count. AMEN.”